tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34489824944212367882019-05-25T07:58:13.533-04:00Lifelong MichiganderA blog about Michigan news, business &amp; culture. Changing the conversation about Michigan &amp; Detroit by showing their positive side.Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-76245293555001473622019-03-20T20:45:00.000-04:002019-03-20T20:45:08.054-04:00Allow Myself to Reintroduce Myself<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VfG7AZ2egS4/XJLdRocsszI/AAAAAAAAbD0/QUWZdNhzMuU-WDwabrrqm6SG1PX5CAS0QCLcBGAs/s1600/TC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1156" height="380" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VfG7AZ2egS4/XJLdRocsszI/AAAAAAAAbD0/QUWZdNhzMuU-WDwabrrqm6SG1PX5CAS0QCLcBGAs/s400/TC.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the Empire Bluff Trail last fall.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />For four years, I endeavored to write a few blog posts per month about Michigan. I enjoyed reading books by Michigan authors, trying new restaurants, visiting new towns, and immersing myself in everything Michigan.<br /><br />But four years is a lot of time to write about the same subject, especially when not getting paid for it and trying to balance my real job, family, and new love for running. I also ran into some negative feedback, and I decided it was time for a break.<br /><br />A couple people have recently suggested that I bring this blog back after shelving it for more than a year. I've also found myself thinking about posts that would be good for this blog over the last few months. So I have decided to revive Lifelong Michigander, and I figure there's no better time than the first day of spring to do so.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to new adventures, and I hope more than a few people come along for the ride.<br /><br />JeffJeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-84912429971924260172018-06-01T21:05:00.000-04:002018-06-01T21:09:30.657-04:00An Avid Michigander and an Avid Runner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.avidrunnersblog.com/"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YfUiF0NAbSM/WxHrCZbEG6I/AAAAAAAAUg0/Wynxtj-w84wtveLuwzJYB5fski7V4pBWACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180512_144446020_HDR%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />If any old readers are still out there, I've started a new blog called <a href="https://www.avidrunnersblog.com/">Avid Runners</a>. It's a running blog for anyone who loves running, regardless of how fast or slow they run. Since I still love and live in Michigan, the new blog will have plenty of Michigan content.Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-82349834415682710122017-12-31T20:29:00.001-05:002017-12-31T20:29:07.763-05:00Goodbye to 2017 and this Blog. Hello to 2018 and less Negativity.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2f9XeJnW68/Wklyo7_6A-I/AAAAAAAAQlI/JtXPkoTq6IMal37hO25YJMPvXx6N63hxgCLcBGAs/s1600/S%2BBEAR%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1444" height="223" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2f9XeJnW68/Wklyo7_6A-I/AAAAAAAAQlI/JtXPkoTq6IMal37hO25YJMPvXx6N63hxgCLcBGAs/s400/S%2BBEAR%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the Sleeping Bear Dunes</td></tr></tbody></table>When I started this blog a little more than four years ago, I was living in Virginia and yearning to return home. A year later, I was happy to be back in Michigan, and I have spent the last three years exploring more of our state than I ever had before. There is so much natural beauty to behold here and many good people to meet. With Michigan's distilleries, breweries, and restaurants, my taste buds were never bored, and my stomach was rarely empty. Our cities and towns are filled with architectural wonders and world-class museums. Our history includes Native Americans, French fur traders, the Underground Railroad, British forts, and the Arsenal of Democracy. There is much to be proud of and to love about our Great Lakes State.<br /><br />However, there is a dark side to our society, both in Michigan and throughout our nation. And that dark side breeds on the internet in comments sections and social media. Twitter has become unreadable to me. It's just a place for people to shout over each other. The cacophony has made us both angry and deaf. For someone who likes to read thoughtful and informative prose, seeing arguments reduced to ignorant memes and name calling is disheartening. Seeing violent acts committed as a result of Twitter fights and hateful propaganda is heartbreaking.<br /><br />In this climate, writing positive posts has become too difficult for me. I've also made some other changes in my life that frankly leave me with less time to write. I'd rather spend my free time with my wife, Allison, and two daughters than trying to come up with new things to write. I will continue to travel throughout our great state, and I'll talk to people more. This is my last blog post, but my blog will be up for some time for anyone who wants to read old posts. I'm shutting down my Twitter and Facebook pages in a few days. A conversation can tell me a lot more about a person's character than 280 characters ever will.<br /><br />With that said, here's to a wonderful 2018 and beyond. Thank you to the very few loyal readers I've had for your comments and support. Thanks to the few guest writers I've had. You added different voices to this blog that I appreciated. And most of all, thanks to Allison for being my editor and biggest supporter.<br /><br />I'll leave whatever readers I have left with some of my favorite moments and things from Michigan in 2017 that I didn't get around to writing about:<br /><br /><b>The Guardian Building Tour</b><br /><br />I finally went on <a href="http://shop.puredetroit.com/Guardian-Building-Tours_ep_44-1.html">Pure Detroit's Guardian Building Tour</a> a few weeks ago. I highly recommend this tour. Our guide was a history student at Wayne State, and he gave a great tour that included the history of the building and the city, and background about the architect and the materials used to construct the building. It's a gorgeous building with great views of the city. One last thing: Don't forget to tip your tour guide.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LDdPmQ6kqZc/WklytDHtmjI/AAAAAAAAQlM/3CRf-KyKAR0QkMBhTKMjHKZwVxaA7_H_gCLcBGAs/s1600/Guardian%2BRiver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="1180" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LDdPmQ6kqZc/WklytDHtmjI/AAAAAAAAQlM/3CRf-KyKAR0QkMBhTKMjHKZwVxaA7_H_gCLcBGAs/s400/Guardian%2BRiver.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of a freighter from the Guardian Building</td></tr></tbody></table><b><br />Noel Night</b><br /><br />Unfortunately, this event ended when a couple of idiots with guns ruined the fun for everyone. It was sad seeing the ignorant comments from people saying, "This is why I never go to Detroit," when people are shot in the suburban shopping malls, schools, churches, and homes throughout this country every day. [Sadly, as I type this, the national news is reporting a shooting in a Denver suburb with several wounded and at least one deputy dead.]<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RrrJWnjOD1E/WklyxVY1hDI/AAAAAAAAQlU/7U_5ZMmP950w3go7wBQSLssXpN0j_5x3gCLcBGAs/s1600/Noel%2BNight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1083" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RrrJWnjOD1E/WklyxVY1hDI/AAAAAAAAQlU/7U_5ZMmP950w3go7wBQSLssXpN0j_5x3gCLcBGAs/s400/Noel%2BNight.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Detroit Public Library lit up for the holidays</td></tr></tbody></table>Anyway, until the shooting happened, this event was everything I love about Detroit. The Midtown museums were open to the public, and people of diverse backgrounds happily wandered the streets. The highlight was seeing the <a href="http://mosaicdetroit.org/">Mosaic Youth Theatre</a> perform at the Charles Wright Museum. The kids in this theater group were incredibly entertaining. My five-year-old daughter was on the edge of her seat, smiling and clapping at everything these young performers did. I hope to see them again soon.<br /><br /><b>Detroit Urban Craft Fair</b><br /><br />Before Noel Night, my family and I visited the <a href="https://detroiturbancraftfair.com/">Detroit Urban Craft Fair</a> at the Masonic Temple. I am not a craft person, but there was a lot of really cool art depicting Detroit. I didn't buy anything, but Allison did. It was heartening to be in a crowded space full of artistic people who are proud of Detroit.<br /><br /><b>Kerrytown Bookfest</b><br /><br />I visited Ann Arbor's <a href="https://www.kerrytownbookfest.org/">Kerrytown Bookfest</a> for the first time this year. It is a great event for readers of all ages. Several Michigan authors were present to sign books and give readings. There were tons of kids' books features, which our daughters loved. There were a couple of letterpress companies giving demonstrations, and one even allowed our daughters to use the small press. We also got to make paper.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ywP__gP0ak/WklzGAQnMSI/AAAAAAAAQlY/xywPnOrqmesirZhPXQhr_GnR74ipQNSAQCLcBGAs/s1600/Making%2Bpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1083" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ywP__gP0ak/WklzGAQnMSI/AAAAAAAAQlY/xywPnOrqmesirZhPXQhr_GnR74ipQNSAQCLcBGAs/s400/Making%2Bpaper.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughters making paper</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Kuzzo's Chicken and Waffles</b><br /><br />Detroit's <a href="http://www.kuzzoschickenandwaffles.com/">Kuzzo's Chicken and Waffles</a> is damn good. I of course had to try chicken and waffles, and they were outstanding. I've only been once, but I definitely will return, because I love southern comfort food, and Kuzzo's serves some of the best.<br /><br /><b>Breweries</b><br /><b><br /></b>I was able to try a few new breweries this year, and all were satisfying.<br /><b><br /></b>I visited <a href="http://grandriverbrewery.com/">Grand River Brewery</a> in Jackson with Allison after running a nearby half marathon. Disclosure: The owner of this brewery is a cousin of mine, but I wouldn't let that influence my opinion (if I didn't like it, I wouldn't write about it). The brewery has a pretty big menu, but I could smell meat on the smoker when we walked up to the restaurant. I had to try the beef brisket, and it did not disappoint. I also had an excellent flight of beer.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76N-jBrndq8/WklzLGqj_iI/AAAAAAAAQlc/NnL7Dvqu9WAENW_g8n9F_SsaDssvcfjrgCLcBGAs/s1600/GR%2BBrewery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1444" height="223" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76N-jBrndq8/WklzLGqj_iI/AAAAAAAAQlc/NnL7Dvqu9WAENW_g8n9F_SsaDssvcfjrgCLcBGAs/s400/GR%2BBrewery.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beer flight at Grand River Brewery</td></tr></tbody></table>I also enjoyed my visits to Royal Oak's <a href="https://roakbrewing.com/?age-verified=0e417d9ed4">ROAK Brewing</a>, <a href="https://www.blacklotusbrewery.com/">Black Lotus</a> in Clawson, and <a href="http://fillmore13brewery.com/">Fillmore 13</a> in Pontiac (I also love seeing some of the revitalization efforts in Pontiac. It has so many beautiful buildings.). They all poured good beer and served tasty food.<br /><br /><b>Michigan Writing</b><br /><br />I've compiled a few Michigan reading lists over the years. Since last summer's list, I've read a few more books by Michigan writers that I found noteworthy. The top of the list is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Undertaking-Life-Studies-Dismal-Trade/dp/0393334872">The Undertaking: Life Studies from the Dismal Trade</a>, by Thomas Lynch. Lynch's book explores questions of life and death, but often with an irreverence and humor that make these questions more palatable.<br /><br />I finally read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10956.The_Virgin_Suicides">The Virgin Suicides</a> by Jeffrey Eugenides after seeing the movie a few times. The movie is pretty true to the book, but I enjoyed the book more. It gives more of a feel of what living in Grosse Pointe and Metro Detroit was like back in the 1970s.<br /><br />I've heard a lot of good things about Bonnie Jo Campbell, so I read her novel <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-River-Bonnie-Campbell/dp/0393341771">Once Upon a River</a>. The novel is set in western Michigan and follows a young woman's journey to find herself after experiencing several family tragedies and traumas. It's an intense book, and some of the traumatic parts were hard to read, but only due to the high quality of Campbell's writing.<br /><br />Last, but not least, is Adam Schuitema's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Things-We-That-Make-Sense/dp/0875807631">The Things We Do That Make No Sense</a>. This Michigan writer's collection of short stories presents quick, but real, snapshots of life that I found relatable and engaging.<br /><br /><b>Leland</b><br /><br />Leland is one of those towns that I always wanted to visit. We made a quick detour there on the way home from Traverse City this past summer. Unfortunately, it was a rainy and cool day, so we didn't explore as much as we would have liked, but we did enjoy walking around the old fishing village and visiting a couple bookshops. I would like to visit again, but with more cooperative weather.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1E0AkHm7wm4/WklzPY0EIPI/AAAAAAAAQlg/UsRNW2aP4LMUjvFZCpuFxUIwr5Ua_emegCLcBGAs/s1600/Leland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1444" height="223" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1E0AkHm7wm4/WklzPY0EIPI/AAAAAAAAQlg/UsRNW2aP4LMUjvFZCpuFxUIwr5Ua_emegCLcBGAs/s400/Leland.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leland</td></tr></tbody></table><b>The Thumb</b><br /><br />Unlike me, Allison is an actual, professional writer. She had an assignment to write about things to do and see in the Thumb. I tagged along and was thinking about writing something, but it wouldn't have compared to her article, which you can read <a href="http://www.secondwavemedia.com/the-keel/features/ThumbDrive.aspx">here</a>. Except for the cold and rainy weather, we had a lot of fun.<br /><br /><b>Sleeping Bear Dunes</b><br /><br />Confession: Despite growing up in Michigan, I visited the dunes for the first time ever over Memorial Day weekend. Having run the Bayshore Marathon two days before, my legs were aching from 26.2 miles of pounding on asphalt.<br /><br />The dunes deceived me because every time I reached the "top," I realized there was another top in the distance. The first "top" gives a majestic view inland of Glen Lake, but I wanted to see Lake Michigan, so I punished my aching legs and continued on, trying to keep up with my daughters sprinting up the sand.<br /><br />I don't know how many peaks I reached only to see another one taunting me. It must have been two or three, but each view was worth the climb. My sore legs slowed me down, but they forced me to spend more time enjoying the views and the cool spring air blowing in from Lake Michigan.<br /><br />When we finally reached the bluff that gave us a view of Lake Michigan, I was overcome by dunes' and lake's imposing grandeur. I felt humbled and grateful to live in a state with so many natural wonders, and I still do.<br /><br />Thank you again for reading. Godspeed!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5T7ZKxFISY/WklzUIBvotI/AAAAAAAAQlo/PLBR70D7AIA9g3m3OUhKrtDsutHx1BEfgCLcBGAs/s1600/SB%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1444" height="223" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5T7ZKxFISY/WklzUIBvotI/AAAAAAAAQlo/PLBR70D7AIA9g3m3OUhKrtDsutHx1BEfgCLcBGAs/s400/SB%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Michigan from the Sleeping Bear Dunes</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-36838411737028507372017-07-13T09:57:00.000-04:002017-07-13T09:57:08.171-04:00A Quick Visit to Grand Rapids<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4tPft44ooYE/WWaXg5dnxFI/AAAAAAAAMpk/PkjKbHpWpg02ve4JjpI6OO6V6dqUf588gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170710_173852681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4tPft44ooYE/WWaXg5dnxFI/AAAAAAAAMpk/PkjKbHpWpg02ve4JjpI6OO6V6dqUf588gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170710_173852681.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Market</td></tr></tbody></table>Despite being born and raised in the Detroit area, I somehow never visited Grand Rapids before. I didn't have anything against Grand Rapids. Instead, I found it too easy to keep visiting the places in Michigan that I already knew.<br /><br />I have been wanting to visit for some time, and my work luckily took me to Grand Rapids on Monday. Since I had a meeting at 1 p.m. downtown, I left my home early enough so I could have two meals and see as much of the city as possible during my visit.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KEf4sl8aeR4/WWaXqQkFn7I/AAAAAAAAMpo/oLPjvGPCEVQBJdsqYSvhkiqBcD9Gz5IiACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170710_104519275%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1193" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KEf4sl8aeR4/WWaXqQkFn7I/AAAAAAAAMpo/oLPjvGPCEVQBJdsqYSvhkiqBcD9Gz5IiACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170710_104519275%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Argos Book Shop</td></tr></tbody></table>Besides tasting a new city's food and beer, I always try to visit its independent bookstores, so my first stop was <a href="http://www.argosbooks.com/">Argos Book Shop</a> in the Eastown neighborhood. Argos specializes in used books, and it has a comic book section that looked impressive to this non-collector. The store has two rooms full of used books covering many genres. I could have spent more than an hour searching the shelves, but I had to eat lunch before my meeting.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BHsfuuQNHc/WWaXyl9NxFI/AAAAAAAAMps/rCSW-bI6vGMKfumTn_Xiwg2PVawMDK-nwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170710_110723896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BHsfuuQNHc/WWaXyl9NxFI/AAAAAAAAMps/rCSW-bI6vGMKfumTn_Xiwg2PVawMDK-nwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170710_110723896.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bar at the Green Well</td></tr></tbody></table>For lunch, I chose&nbsp;<a href="http://thegreenwell.com/">The Green Well Gastropub</a> in the East Hills neighborhood. The neighborhood was quiet because it was 11 on Monday morning, but I'm guessing it is bustling later in the day since it features several shops and restaurants, and one of Grand Rapids' many breweries,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.breweryvivant.com/">Brewery Vivant</a>.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>I was the first customer of the day at the Green Well, but the staff was accommodating. The restaurant's menu is full of creative dishes. I would have ordered a couple items and a beer, but I didn't want <span style="background-color: white;">to drink before my meeting or be bloated with food. I ordered a delicious brisket sandw<span style="font-family: inherit;">ich (smoked beef, pimento cheese, pickled jalapeno, red onion, steak sauce aioli, <a href="http://www.fieldandfire.com/">Field &amp; Fire</a> burger bun). The beef was tender and the toppings gave it a slight kick that wasn't overly spicy.</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4OmSikFqIU/WWaX605oBrI/AAAAAAAAMpw/KIYf9_fhjMUJRIWMPVuFAT8Urq-IJd71QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170710_111735809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4OmSikFqIU/WWaX605oBrI/AAAAAAAAMpw/KIYf9_fhjMUJRIWMPVuFAT8Urq-IJd71QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170710_111735809.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Green Well's brisket sandwich</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was hoping to visit </span><a href="https://www.booksandmortar.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Books &amp; Mortar</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> since it's a short walk from the Green Well, but it unfortunately is closed on Mondays (next time!). To get my indie bookstore fix, I went to </span><a href="http://www.schulerbooks.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Schuler Books &amp; Music</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;instead. Schuler is a three-store independent book chain with other locations in Okemos and Lansing. The Grand Rapids Schuler carries a mix of used and new books, as well as music and other gift items. It was a little out of the way from the other stops during my visit, but the trip was worth it because I was able to pick up a few books that I'd had my eye on for a while.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxZ_-kXMQa4/WWaYFcWaZVI/AAAAAAAAMp0/EUfPRfkzaG0WG1BvfOMK9gATrvw3H2FsgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170710_141715759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1600" height="249" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxZ_-kXMQa4/WWaYFcWaZVI/AAAAAAAAMp0/EUfPRfkzaG0WG1BvfOMK9gATrvw3H2FsgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170710_141715759.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schuler Books &amp; Music</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grand Rapids is known for its beer, so I had to pick a brewery to visit. Unfortunately, I had to limit it to one, since I had to drive home that night. I chose </span><a href="https://foundersbrewing.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Founders</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> because it's one of Michigan's most famous breweries, and I'm a huge fan of their beer. Founders met my high expectations. I ordered two fantastic beers, the Rye Stout and the Nitro Sumatra Mountain Brown, and the Mug Clubber sandwich (c</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">hicken club with sliced roasted chicken, thick-cut bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, sliced McClure's pickles &amp; mayo on San Fran sourdough). I took my time with the beers and the sandwich, savoring every last drop and morsel. I couldn't leave without a souvenir, so I purchased a growler of the Rye Stout.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2nVbrs5xng/WWaYSiXdjaI/AAAAAAAAMp4/toltfhazZvYkRgHJZRwwMDrKjdUjd7ueACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170710_153837759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2nVbrs5xng/WWaYSiXdjaI/AAAAAAAAMp4/toltfhazZvYkRgHJZRwwMDrKjdUjd7ueACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170710_153837759.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mug Clubber and Nitro Sumatra Mountain Brown</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">After Founders, I visited the nearby </span><a href="http://lanterncoffee.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Lantern Coffee Bar &amp; Lounge</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">. The below-street-level lounge has ample seating and a relaxing atmosphere. Unlike the "Come in, but take your coffee and get out!" feel of a certain large coffee chain, I was able to take my time while enjoying a well-crafted latte in the lounge.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhZwEkJsC20/WWaYhsvN3TI/AAAAAAAAMp8/kW7ZjLjdYgIzU2SMIFoqpI9w4TqCAkzmACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170710_171041568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhZwEkJsC20/WWaYhsvN3TI/AAAAAAAAMp8/kW7ZjLjdYgIzU2SMIFoqpI9w4TqCAkzmACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170710_171041568.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My latte at Lantern Coffee Bar &amp; Lounge</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white;">It was a hot day, so I needed to cool off after my coffee. Ice cream was in order. The nearest ice cream place that popped up on my Google search was </span><a href="http://lovesicecream.com/">Love's Ice Cream</a><span style="background-color: white;">. I'm still thanking my lucky stars that Love's happened to be the closest ice cream place. I ordered a small cone of the fresh mint chip and took a quick bite while the cashier was ringing me up. I have never tasted a mint chip that was so authentically minty. I told the cashier it was like a mojito without the alcohol. I've never called anyone about ice cream before, but I took out my phone and called my wife, Allison, to tell her how amazin</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">g the ice cream was. I wish I had figured out how to transport a vat of the mint chip home with me without having it melt all over my car.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FwrqiAGxtxY/WWaYsloA68I/AAAAAAAAMqA/dgoDfbtlKQ4T71Pb_lZNWK1jcdzLahDLgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170710_174205879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FwrqiAGxtxY/WWaYsloA68I/AAAAAAAAMqA/dgoDfbtlKQ4T71Pb_lZNWK1jcdzLahDLgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170710_174205879.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best mint chip ever!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Love's is located in the <a href="http://downtownmarketgr.com/">Downtown Market</a>, an indoor market hall with</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2f34; font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;multiple food vendors and two full-service restaurants. <a href="http://downtownmarketgr.com/market-hall/fish-lads">Fish Lads</a> fish shop and <a href="http://downtownmarketgr.com/market-hall/aperitivo">Apertivo</a> cheese shop caught my eye. I could easily see myself visiting the market regularly just to shop at those two shops if I were a local. The market also houses an <a href="http://downtownmarketgr.com/incubator-kitchen">incubator kitchen</a> to help startup food businesses get off the ground. The market has an outdoor shed, where it hosts special events like the <a href="http://www.vintagestreetmarketgr.com/">Vintage Street Market</a>,&nbsp;food truck rallies, and kids events. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2d2f34;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My last stop was <a href="http://longroaddistillers.com/">Long Road Distillers</a> on the West Side. Craft distilling is taking off in Michigan, so I try to support this growing local industry</span>. Long Road has a cool bar area and <a href="http://longroaddistillers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/LRD_Cocktails-Menu_53117.pdf">an interesting cocktail menu</a>. Long Road uses locally grown ingredients and doesn't take shortcuts in the distilling process (thus the "Long Road"). Unlike many other distilleries, Long Road also serves food, but I couldn't eat another bite. If I were in town overnight and didn't have to drive (How much is a taxi/Uber/Lyft from Grand Rapids to Detroit?), I would have had more than the two small samples of bourbon and a wheat whiskey. I enjoyed both whiskeys and ended up purchasing a bottle of the wheat whiskey and a bottle of vodka for Allison, which she loves.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpkruDM4Ck4/WWaZGwmmglI/AAAAAAAAMqE/8WrYJsYNUjguui6I-D3IVnnV64_H5Xm2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170710_180313925%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpkruDM4Ck4/WWaZGwmmglI/AAAAAAAAMqE/8WrYJsYNUjguui6I-D3IVnnV64_H5Xm2QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170710_180313925%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Road</td></tr></tbody></table>I thoroughly enjoyed my brief visit to Grand Rapids, and I am trying to find a weekend when I can come back for a visit soon. I know there is so much more to see and food and beverages to taste. If you are a Michigander who has not visited Grand Rapids, make plans to visit. I bet it will exceed your expectations as it did mine.Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-16779328480016963072017-06-25T09:39:00.000-04:002017-06-25T09:39:16.085-04:002017 Michigan Summer Reading List<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDufB3HT22s/WU8MYdeJFRI/AAAAAAAAMDU/utuSFcKNg7gLYpaKEQnjuKkoxpplxnKgQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170624_205124042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1600" height="257" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDufB3HT22s/WU8MYdeJFRI/AAAAAAAAMDU/utuSFcKNg7gLYpaKEQnjuKkoxpplxnKgQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170624_205124042.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good book plus a lake equals Michigan summer</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summertime in Michigan should include relaxing with a good book on the beach, in the backyard hammock, or in the park. Last year, I shared a list of </span><a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2016/06/five-michigan-books-for-summer.html" style="font-family: inherit;">Five Michigan Books for Summer</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. This year, the list is longer, with a more diverse group of writers, genres, and forms of literature. Each work has a relationship with Michigan: Either the writer is a Michigander or the work is set in Michigan. It was a pleasure to read each of these works, and I hope others find something valuable through reading them.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b>The Many Faces of Motherhood</b><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Former Detroit Free Press writer Desiree Cooper’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wsupress.wayne.edu/books/detail/know-mother"><i>Know the Mother</i></a>&nbsp;is a powerful collection of 31 very short stories (most are 750 words or less). The stories examine themes of womanhood, motherhood, and race. I cannot name a favorite story because each one emits emotions that put me squarely into the main characters' shoes.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Know the Mother</i>’s stories embody loneliness, fear, hope, love, shame, and sorrow. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cooper creates complex and real characters with few words because her writing is splendid, moving, and true.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b>Finding a New Universe on Earth</b><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">In Detroit author Jack Cheng’s novel&nbsp;<a href="http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/535272/see-you-in-the-cosmos-by-jack-cheng/9780399186370/"><i>See in You in the Cosmos</i></a>, Alex Petroski is an eleven-year-old boy infatuated with space exploration. The story is told through Alex’s recordings on his golden iPod, which he dreams of launching into space for intelligent alien life to discover. Alex leaves his troubled mom at home to attend a rocket-launching festival in New Mexico. Along the way, he discovers a complicated, but beautiful, new universe right here on earth.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Poetry From the Made in Michigan Writers Series</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been trying to read more poetry lately, and I’ve discovered that Michigan has produced many fantastic poets.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Earlier this year, </span><a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2017/02/an-afternoon-of-poetry-in-detroit.html" style="font-family: inherit;">I attended a poetry reading</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> featuring the works of three new poetry books published by Wayne State University Press's Made in Michigan Writers Series: </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Harborless</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">The Bird-while</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">, and </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Rowing Inland</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each collection features poetry with Michigan themes. Cindy Hunter Morgan's poems in&nbsp;<i><a href="http://www.wsupress.wayne.edu/books/detail/harborless">Harborless</a></i>&nbsp;examine Great Lakes shipwrecks and uncover the powerlessness of humanity when facing the wrath of nature. Many of the poems in Keith Taylor's&nbsp;<i><a href="http://www.wsupress.wayne.edu/books/detail/bird-while">The Bird-while</a></i> are set in Michigan and give an intimate view of nature and our relationship to it. <i><a href="http://www.wsupress.wayne.edu/books/detail/rowing-inland">Rowing Inland</a></i>&nbsp;by Jim Daniels is a personal collection of poetry about family and growing up in Metro Detroit.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Jim Harrison's Search for Small Gods</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.coppercanyonpress.org/pages/browse/book.asp?bg=%7B05BC879D-E8C0-4F3C-A143-56FB72F62BC0%7D"><i>In Search of Small Gods</i></a>, a poetry collection by Jim Harrison, highlights the American West of Harrison's later years more than his native Michigan, but he does explore the Michigan of his childhood in a few poems, like <i>The Quarter</i>. Harrison’s words choreograph dances between humanity and nature, with each step taking readers closer to the divine.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A Detroit Crime Novel</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crime novels do not usually interest me, but I decided to read&nbsp;<a href="https://sohopress.com/books/august-snow/">August Snow</a>,&nbsp;a Detroit-based novel by local writer Stephen Mack Jones, after reading several good reviews. August Snow is a former Detroit cop who is now wealthy with the money damages he received in a lawsuit against the city. He moves into his childhood home in Mexicantown and soon finds himself investigating the murder of a Grosse Pointe socialite.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Snow becomes entangled with hitmen, the FBI, and the Detroit Police Department and can rely&nbsp;</span>only&nbsp;<span style="font-family: inherit;">on a few trusted friends to find the truth. The novel is set primarily in Detroit, but one of the most gripping events occurs in Traverse City. Once I started reading, I was engrossed by the story and had a hard time putting the book down.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Uncovering the Real Ty Cobb</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sports fans believe that Ty Cobb was a racist, cruel, and possibly murderous man that nobody liked. The Detroit Tigers legend is arguably the best baseball player of all time, but he is not beloved like Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Lou Gehrig, or Willie Mays.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ty-Cobb-Terrible-Charles-Leerhsen/dp/1451645791"><i>Ty Cobb: A Terrible Beauty</i></a>, Charles Leerhsen’s biography of Cobb, turns this narrative upside down. Leerhsen exposes much of Cobb’s legend as questionable or outright lies fabricated after his death by biographer Al Stump. Leerhsen picks apart Stump’s biography of Cobb, as well as other dubious accounts of Cobb’s evil deeds. He ultimately shows that Cobb was a complicated character who was not perfect but who also does not deserve the spurious posthumous attacks on his character.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>An Anthology by Detroiters for Everyone</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Detroit-Anthology-Anna-Clark/dp/0985944145"><i>A Detroit Anthology</i></a> is a collection of stories, poetry, photographs, and art featuring contributions by eminent Detroiters. Editor Anna Clark’s foreword explains, “Detroit is a city of stories,” and this is “a collection of Detroit stories for Detroiters . . . the stories we tell each other over late late nights at the pub and long afternoons on the porch.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>A Detroit Anthology</i> paints a portrait of the city that is full of vibrant color, sharp angles, and unexpected curves. The anthology makes it clear that the portrait can never be finished because Detroit is, and always has been, a work in progress, changing with every new voice echoing through the city and every old voice’s response.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How to Live in Detroit . . . Properly</b>&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The cover of Aaron Foley’s <i><a href="http://beltmag.com/product/how-to-live-in-detroit-without-being-a-jackass/">How to Live in Detroit Without Being a Jackass</a>,</i>&nbsp;with its Vernor’s theme and “It’s not the new Brooklyn!” proclamation, proves that sometimes you can judge a book by its cover. This irreverent portrayal of life in Detroit does not seek to encapsulate everything about the Detroit experience. Instead, Foley tries to explain how newcomers can move into the city without alienating, ignoring, and offending the Detroiters who have been living in the city for decades.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Foley also gives humorous advice about how to talk about Detroit, how to buy and rehab house, how to deal with the suburbs, and how to drive in the city. This is a worthy read for anyone who lives in or is contemplating moving to Detroit or the metro area.</span>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-10227658050151050352017-06-04T08:21:00.000-04:002017-06-04T08:21:06.104-04:00A Relaxing Weekend in Traverse City<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fR6HJmTXV6k/WTLW9aMyKLI/AAAAAAAALk0/rEsmfSCs04sL2pHyalyk4nR_zoBrkODsQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170526_175817127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fR6HJmTXV6k/WTLW9aMyKLI/AAAAAAAALk0/rEsmfSCs04sL2pHyalyk4nR_zoBrkODsQCLcB/s640/IMG_20170526_175817127.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Grand Traverse Bay from the Shores</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">My family and I spent Memorial Day weekend in Traverse City because I had the crazy idea to run the <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2017/05/a-snapshot-of-traverse-citys-bayshore.html">Bayshore Marathon</a>. We rented a <a href="https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p703673vb#summary">great condo at the Shores condominiums</a> in Acme, on the east side of East Grand Traverse Bay. The Shores's beach has a beautiful view of the bay and Old Mission Peninsula.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">We stayed in on Friday night, since I had to wake up early for the marathon. On Saturday afternoon, after a few hours of post-marathon recovery, we drove up the eastern shore of the Old Mission Peninsula, so I could show my wife and kids the views I saw while running.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kBoRO9f3XW4/WTLXIT3UtGI/AAAAAAAALk4/RvrG4LXN264TOdLcS3ATaWs7Zm8EP7h_ACLcB/s1600/IMG_20170527_160549586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kBoRO9f3XW4/WTLXIT3UtGI/AAAAAAAALk4/RvrG4LXN264TOdLcS3ATaWs7Zm8EP7h_ACLcB/s640/IMG_20170527_160549586.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving the Old Mission Peninsula</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">The drive was so relaxing that we ended up driving to the northern tip of the peninsula and visited the <a href="http://www.missionpointlighthouse.com/">Mission Point Lighthouse</a> and beach. The tip of the Old Mission Peninsula is on the 45th parallel, meaning we were standing halfway between the equator and the North Pole. We would have explored the lighthouse and beach more, but there were a lot of bugs out, and my four-year-old daughter was not happy that bugs kept landing on her. I also was exhausted and wanted to eat, so we just took a few photos of the lighthouse and the beach.</span>&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjEfC2JWMdU/WTLXQe917WI/AAAAAAAALk8/BC8wGyuJDiElwIm-Z7R0dTfQiYOQbn9YwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170527_162932736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjEfC2JWMdU/WTLXQe917WI/AAAAAAAALk8/BC8wGyuJDiElwIm-Z7R0dTfQiYOQbn9YwCLcB/s640/IMG_20170527_162932736.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mission Point Lighthouse</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">We drove back down the western shore of the peninsula toward downtown Traverse City. We went to <a href="http://www.apachetroutgrill.com/">Apache Trout Grill</a> for dinner because several people recommended it. There was supposed to be an hour wait, but fortune intervened and a table in the bar area opened up after only about 5 minutes.</span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">I ordered my first post-marathon beer, and our waiter also brought out bread with a pesto dip. The pesto is made with olives, giving it a different taste, but we liked it so much we asked for more. We also ordered the delectable beer cheese fondue, which comes with a pretzel braid. For dinner, my wife, Allison, had the Baja Tacos, and I ordered the Apache Burger with sweet potato fries. The sweet potato fries came with an incredible syrupy pecan dip that made the fries taste like french toast. They also have a great kids menu, and our daughters loved the burger and chicken tenders.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g36lTFEr1c8/WTLXWIpeUNI/AAAAAAAALlA/5_F43ckrhjo5mkvkbizvQEv58tAUYH-ngCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170527_180931875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g36lTFEr1c8/WTLXWIpeUNI/AAAAAAAALlA/5_F43ckrhjo5mkvkbizvQEv58tAUYH-ngCLcB/s640/IMG_20170527_180931875.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apache Burger</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">After dinner, we stopped at the <a href="https://gtpie.com/">Grand Traverse Pie Company</a> and bought a small blueberry pie and large cherry pie (Don't judge. I ran 26.2 miles that morning). The pies were a much-deserved reward after months of training and were great for breakfast the next two mornings.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3xjfEJmhe8/WTLXd9ADihI/AAAAAAAALlE/xb8Z76ZKdUIJtBIcVBQIknQAlEHDAK2tACLcB/s1600/IMG_20170528_113631263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3xjfEJmhe8/WTLXd9ADihI/AAAAAAAALlE/xb8Z76ZKdUIJtBIcVBQIknQAlEHDAK2tACLcB/s640/IMG_20170528_113631263.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even an impending storm is beautiful on the bay</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">On Sunday, we spent the morning at the beach near the condo until a thunderstorm rolled in over the bay. After I rested and stretched my legs, we headed back into Traverse City and ate at <a href="http://northpeak.net/">North Peak Brewing Company</a> for lunch. <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2015/08/tour-de-traverse-city.html">I've been to North Peak before</a> and wanted something good and reliable. Allison and I split a Caesar salad and the excellent white cheddar ale soup and each ordered a beer. We all ordered pizzas, the BBQ boar for me, the wild mushroom for Allison, and the cheese and pepperoni pizzas for the kids. We left the restaurant happy and full.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W1oRWc9DYqM/WTLXi9GXgNI/AAAAAAAALlI/3gMewLQAXSwng05au6OhWC199kHzZT8vwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170528_160847189%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W1oRWc9DYqM/WTLXi9GXgNI/AAAAAAAALlI/3gMewLQAXSwng05au6OhWC199kHzZT8vwCLcB/s640/IMG_20170528_160847189%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books are the pot of gold at the end of this rainbow.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">After lunch, we were relieved that the storm had passed, so we walked along Front Street. We popped in and out of stores, but the highlight for me was </span><a href="http://www.brilliant-books.net/" style="font-family: inherit;">Brilliant Books</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Like any good independent bookstore, Brilliant Books is a place to wander, browse, and discover. I had one book that I wanted to look for, but I also stumbled upon a book by one of my favorite writers. The store also has a good kids section.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8EtBg6WdmVc/WTLXrypJ-MI/AAAAAAAALlM/Pm4-Wn_nsZ4_VuQbG16qSquembHZ7GKgQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170528_184758465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8EtBg6WdmVc/WTLXrypJ-MI/AAAAAAAALlM/Pm4-Wn_nsZ4_VuQbG16qSquembHZ7GKgQCLcB/s640/IMG_20170528_184758465.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moomers. The long wait was worth it.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">That evening we went to <a href="http://www.moomers.com/">Moomers</a> ice cream. The line was long, probably because Moomers is always on ice cream "best of" lists and was named the best ice cream shop&nbsp;</span>in America&nbsp;<span style="font-family: inherit;">by Good Morning America in 2008. While waiting in line, we were able to appreciate the field of cows that produced the milk for our ice cream. The line moved quickly, and we soon had to make the tough choice of which ice cream to eat. The cherries moobilee (black cherry flavored ice cream with chunks of black sweet cherries, chocolate fudge swirl, and chunks of brownies) that I ordered was phenomenal and very much worth the wait.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-_2MFhBiyI/WTLXxHJoRHI/AAAAAAAALlQ/SEmP2NyDJFUMOyWRiIv0ge-TyowHAoXzwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170528_192836514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-_2MFhBiyI/WTLXxHJoRHI/AAAAAAAALlQ/SEmP2NyDJFUMOyWRiIv0ge-TyowHAoXzwCLcB/s640/IMG_20170528_192836514.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ice cream shop overlooks the dairy farm.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our last Traverse City experience was a stop at <a href="http://www.thelittlefleet.com/">The Little Fleet</a>, a collection of eight food trucks with varied cuisines. The Little Fleet also has a bar that serves beer, wine, and mixed drinks, and it hosts live music on Friday nights. Allison got delicious sushi from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/whiteonricesushi/">White on Rice</a>, and I had two awesome tacos from <a href="http://www.happystacoshop.com/">Happy's Taco Shop</a>. The girls were stuffed from ice cream and lunch, so they just snacked on leftovers back at the condo. The Little Fleet would be a fun place to hang out and snack on different foods for a few hours on a warm summer day, but our day and trip to Traverse City were winding down.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3R8X1S5Wqc/WTLX4ITDt4I/AAAAAAAALlU/5fAEE9p6aTkbCyCBWKIf4h_YoEy3NsnjwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170528_195322495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3R8X1S5Wqc/WTLX4ITDt4I/AAAAAAAALlU/5fAEE9p6aTkbCyCBWKIf4h_YoEy3NsnjwCLcB/s640/IMG_20170528_195322495.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy's Taco Shop at The Little Fleet</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">We went back to the condo hoping to catch one sunset over the bay. The descending sun painted a radiant collection of pink, red, gold, and orange hues until the clouds cast a curtain over the sun as it fell toward the Old Mission Peninsula.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLPVWVR0KCg/WTLYJMuY3lI/AAAAAAAALlY/TJsXocfZ0JgPTnFZSwow3B1lt61Gip9owCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170528_203858363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLPVWVR0KCg/WTLYJMuY3lI/AAAAAAAALlY/TJsXocfZ0JgPTnFZSwow3B1lt61Gip9owCLcB/s640/IMG_20170528_203858363.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on our last night</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everything was tranquil, except for the sounds of children laughing and playing.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9vuPaGHWBTU/WTNh0DCK7qI/AAAAAAAALoc/qM0oBUFoTU8plN-7QcaiT2Stow5Ay19nQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170528_205704180_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9vuPaGHWBTU/WTNh0DCK7qI/AAAAAAAALoc/qM0oBUFoTU8plN-7QcaiT2Stow5Ay19nQCLcB/s640/IMG_20170528_205704180_HDR.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clouds hid the sun, but not the bay's beauty.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-12920777303159173172017-05-28T09:59:00.000-04:002018-06-02T18:03:37.606-04:00A Snapshot of Traverse City's Bayshore Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T89Gz4dEkiU/WSrDIcmgK9I/AAAAAAAALMw/wqeUElbrnGclBZDsQatgnnfG1ZpTB1zDwCEw/s1600/Bayshore%2Bview%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1525" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T89Gz4dEkiU/WSrDIcmgK9I/AAAAAAAALMw/wqeUElbrnGclBZDsQatgnnfG1ZpTB1zDwCEw/s640/Bayshore%2Bview%2B3.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of East Grand Traverse Bay from the marathon course</td></tr></tbody></table>Yesterday, I ran my fourth marathon, the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City. I have run two Marine Corps Marathons in DC and the <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2016/09/surviving-capital-city-river-run.html">Capital City River Run in Lansing</a>. The Bayshore is by far my favorite, and not just because I set a PR (more on that later).<br /><br />From the volunteers to the spectators to the <a href="http://www.moomers.com/">Moomers</a> ice cream at the finish, everything was well run. But the highlight is the course itself. For almost the entire 26.2 miles, the course follows the roads along the eastern shore of the Old Mission Peninsula. The route gives runners sweeping views of the blue waters of East Grand Traverse Bay.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfoo6lEkLE4/WSrDIPpoy1I/AAAAAAAALMg/gFR7QDo_Ti0wcLCHix9dLMcV0YQ2XXPfQCEw/s1600/Bayshore%2BBlossoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1525" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfoo6lEkLE4/WSrDIPpoy1I/AAAAAAAALMg/gFR7QDo_Ti0wcLCHix9dLMcV0YQ2XXPfQCEw/s640/Bayshore%2BBlossoms.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherry blossoms along the course</td></tr></tbody></table>My description of the views cannot do them justice. My family and I drove along the course several hours after the race so I could show them what I saw, and so I could take a few photos.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v9qqc9sX4-M/WSrDIb6yMiI/AAAAAAAALMw/gruU9ScI2JE0S3yKQpTy4FE7qU11ZmOaACEw/s1600/Bayshore%2Bview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1525" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v9qqc9sX4-M/WSrDIb6yMiI/AAAAAAAALMw/gruU9ScI2JE0S3yKQpTy4FE7qU11ZmOaACEw/s640/Bayshore%2Bview.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you have to run 26.2 miles, might as well enjoy the view.</td></tr></tbody></table>The course is mostly flat, but there were a few small hills here and there (the only ones I really noticed were in the last 5 miles, when I was struggling to keep my legs moving). Many of the residents along the route sat in their front yards and cheered the runners on, and some even offered water (or beer. . . I passed on the beer). Olympic marathoner Desi Linden, one of the fastest women in the world, even stood on the sidelines encouraging people who run the marathon hours slower than her.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz2Tx37XeYs/WSrDIZ9G0_I/AAAAAAAALMw/6oYMMZ0rmaYIuq43FArggDsoKrtv7jkqQCEw/s1600/Bayshore%2Bview%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1525" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz2Tx37XeYs/WSrDIZ9G0_I/AAAAAAAALMw/6oYMMZ0rmaYIuq43FArggDsoKrtv7jkqQCEw/s640/Bayshore%2Bview%2B2.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view from the course</td></tr></tbody></table>As for the PR and the last 5 miles, I had an original goal of an 8:30 minutes-per-mile pace when I began my training plan, but a few weeks into training, I realized I was hitting training paces that equated to an 8:00 minutes-per-mile goal, so I adjusted my pace to 8:00 minutes.<br /><br />Before this marathon, my fastest marathon was a 4:21:18 in Lansing last year. I had trained for my previous marathons using popular training plans that rely on shorter, easy runs during the week and one long run on the weekend, including two or three runs of 20 miles. In each of my previous marathons, I fell well short of breaking four hours and didn't have the ability to finish the races without walking some.<br /><br />This time around, I went with the <a href="https://www.velopress.com/books/hansons-marathon-method/">Hansons Marathon Method</a>. I chose their method for four reasons: 1) The <a href="https://hansons-running.com/pages/about-us">Hansons-Brooks Project</a> has trained Olympians (including Desi Linden) and other elite marathoners for years; 2) I have read and heard a ton of good reviews of their plan; 3) I used their half-marathon plan (which is very similar to their marathon plan) and saw marked improvement; and 4) The Hansons-Brooks athletes live and train in Michigan. <br /><br />The Hansons Method focuses on harder workouts and longer distances during the week and long runs on the weekend that are never longer than 16 miles. The point is to create "cumulative fatigue" during the week, so the weekend long run simulates the last 12 to 16 miles of the marathon, unlike other plans, which simulate the first 12 to 20 miles.<br /><br />I didn't hit my A goal of 8:00 minutes per mile, but I did take nearly 40 minutes off my personal best and met my B goal by going under 8:30 minutes per mile. I probably would have had a better shot of hitting my A goal if I ran a more consistent and conservative pace for the first half. At 16.2 miles, I was at a 7:54 pace, but I crashed hard with about 5 miles left because of my pace.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Wgz0E3FATo/WSrDH6cgkxI/AAAAAAAALMw/mfUc0earZdMpAArbI3A3Db-S2TLNkYkkgCEw/s1600/Bayshore%2Brunning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="443" height="385" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Wgz0E3FATo/WSrDH6cgkxI/AAAAAAAALMw/mfUc0earZdMpAArbI3A3Db-S2TLNkYkkgCEw/s640/Bayshore%2Brunning.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With 0.2 miles left, the crowd picked me up.</td></tr></tbody></table>I struggled to finish, but I never walked and kept my legs moving against their own will. I don't think I picked up my pace in the last half mile, but it didn't hurt as much because the crowd of supporters was much bigger (including my wife and two daughters encouraging me). The last couple hundred meters of the race finished on a high school track, with people packed in the bleachers cheering me on. They gave me that extra push to get across the line, where I grabbed water and found mint chocolate chip Moomers ice cream and a nice place to collapse and eat it.<br /><br />After I ate my ice cream and got more carbs into my system, I felt satisfied that I broke four hours and crushed my previous personal best. I don't know if I'll run another marathon. I might stick to half marathons. But if I do run another, it will be hard to pick a better one than the Bayshore Marathon.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcfrGvkuVrI/WSrDH0xvVQI/AAAAAAAALMw/DGRsCBlqX2EUhoAK4sWDUkl06Dm_Ua-4QCEw/s1600/Bayshore%2BMedal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="551" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcfrGvkuVrI/WSrDH0xvVQI/AAAAAAAALMw/DGRsCBlqX2EUhoAK4sWDUkl06Dm_Ua-4QCEw/s640/Bayshore%2BMedal.jpg" width="384" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Struggling to stand, but satisfied</td></tr></tbody></table><i>If you like this post, check out my new blog <a href="http://avidrunnersblog.com/">avidrunnersblog.com</a>&nbsp;for more running stories.</i>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-16836480196547904052017-04-27T09:30:00.000-04:002017-04-27T09:36:07.224-04:00Five of Michigan's Great Independent Bookstores<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWvyJ4ed9aE/WQFB-qET0RI/AAAAAAAAKpA/o15MMXXn7YUsvC5NbkCyJE80g7pluizNwCLcB/s1600/Pages%2Bexterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWvyJ4ed9aE/WQFB-qET0RI/AAAAAAAAKpA/o15MMXXn7YUsvC5NbkCyJE80g7pluizNwCLcB/s640/Pages%2Bexterior.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pages Bookshop in Detroit</td></tr></tbody></table>My favorite indie bookstore from childhood died more than 20 years ago at the hands of Barnes &amp; Noble (which moved in across the street), but that same Barnes &amp; Noble perished recently, most likely because it couldn't keep up with Amazon. It's been a common trend over the last 30 years. Big bookseller moves into the neighborhood, forcing an independent store to close, and then the big guy shutters its store when it can't compete with online shopping.<br /><br />Luckily for those who love independent bookstores, some indies have survived the decades-long assault from big booksellers and the internet, while others have recently opened up shop. Whether they opened in the last few years or more than a few decades ago, good independent bookstores realize that they are much more than stores that sell books. It doesn't matter whether they sell coffee and other merchandise or just books. The special ones are gathering places for readers and writers. They offer recommendations, spur conversation, preserve and promote knowledge, and elevate communities.<br /><br />Although they may not be as common as they once were, Michigan still has many independent bookstores. Here are a few of my favorites:<br /><br /><b>Falling Rock Cafe &amp; Bookstore</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1U0lN3EBAZ0/VfDrq9cxk-I/AAAAAAAAEMk/E7wsmyFa1Ck0O5C1lDrNVk9_LCVofzB0ACPcB/s1600/IMG_20150828_110903982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1U0lN3EBAZ0/VfDrq9cxk-I/AAAAAAAAEMk/E7wsmyFa1Ck0O5C1lDrNVk9_LCVofzB0ACPcB/s640/IMG_20150828_110903982.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falling Rock Cafe &amp; Bookstore</td></tr></tbody></table>Munising is a city of just more than 2,000 people on the western edge of the <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2015/09/a-visit-to-pictured-rocks-national.html">Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore</a>. Most visitors know it as the place to hop on one of the Pictured Rocks cruises, but Munising also has a top-notch bookstore in <a href="http://fallingrockcafe.com/bookstore/">Falling Rock Cafe &amp; Bookstore</a>. The cafe serves custom-roasted coffee, breakfast, and sandwiches.<br /><br />The bookstore has more than 30,000 new and used books, as well as locally made jewelry, pottery, and gifts. I was impressed by their section dedicated to local writers and found a couple of great books set in the U.P.,&nbsp;<i><a href="http://ellenairgood.com/southofsuperior.shtml">South of Superior</a></i>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23604152-here">Here</a></i>. With its wide-open floor plan and numerous tables, Falling Rock is a great place to warm up with a good book and cup of coffee on a cold U.P. day. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><b>The Book Beat</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuNeOuAJRpI/WQFCIbRvKRI/AAAAAAAAKpE/sy49zZCQ_k03kUjLF2wfXOWs91i5d0YzgCLcB/s1600/Book%2BBeat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuNeOuAJRpI/WQFCIbRvKRI/AAAAAAAAKpE/sy49zZCQ_k03kUjLF2wfXOWs91i5d0YzgCLcB/s640/Book%2BBeat.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Book Beat is teeming with books.</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.thebookbeat.com/backroom/news/">Book Beat</a> is located in a nondescript strip mall on Greenfield Road in Oak Park and has been serving its community since 1982. &nbsp;The <a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/52111-book-beat-and-monkey-see-monkey-do-win-pannell-awards.html">award-winning</a> store seems to hold more books that it can handle, with books stacked unevenly in spots. But much like my desk, it is an organized chaos where things are right where they belong.<br /><br />Book Beat carries more than 50,000 titles, including a large selection of Michigan- and Detroit-themed books and an excellent children's book selection. It hosts a series of events each month, including book signings and lectures. Book Beat also selects a book each month for its reading group, which meets offsite to discuss the book.<br /><br /><b>Snowbound Books</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TWsPKbTtmig/WQFAGeSsKQI/AAAAAAAAKow/OyDc2AqhHtgu33KOb_1R98NGAYzArQ0qQCEw/s1600/Snowbound%2BBooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TWsPKbTtmig/WQFAGeSsKQI/AAAAAAAAKow/OyDc2AqhHtgu33KOb_1R98NGAYzArQ0qQCEw/s640/Snowbound%2BBooks.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowbound's old sign. They replaced it soon after I visited.</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2016/09/a-taste-of-marquette.html">Marquette</a> is a wonderful Upper Peninsula town, and <a href="http://www.snowboundbooks.com/">Snowbound Books</a> only adds to its charm. It has been supplying local readers and visitors with new and used books since 1984. I made my only visit to this store last summer on a vacation in Marquette, but I know I will stop in again if I'm in the area. The cozy bookshop has a large selection of new and used books, and they highlight books by local writers. Our daughters loved the kids section, and I enjoyed everything else.<br /><a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2016/06/five-michigan-books-for-summer.html"><br /></a><a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2016/06/five-michigan-books-for-summer.html">I had just discovered the late Jim Harrison's works</a> when I visited. He spent a lot of time in Marquette and set many of his stories and poems in the area, and he even mentioned Snowbound in his novels. I felt as if a visit to Snowbound was a necessary stop on a pilgrimage to his old stomping grounds. I even caught him keeping watch over the place with his one good eye.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flqXqE0l7K4/WQE_3s2uINI/AAAAAAAAKoo/0F1zCtu39gIOZWVwzAggyt3wPF8bxLG1QCLcB/s1600/Snowbound2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flqXqE0l7K4/WQE_3s2uINI/AAAAAAAAKoo/0F1zCtu39gIOZWVwzAggyt3wPF8bxLG1QCLcB/s640/Snowbound2.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim Harrison keeping watch at Snowbound Books</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Pages Bookshop</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_GSXgXe6UC0/WQFC6fkq5SI/AAAAAAAAKpM/oRNjDDG-Gp4ZdHDIn_GAtRUfffXZ5FXxgCLcB/s1600/Pages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_GSXgXe6UC0/WQFC6fkq5SI/AAAAAAAAKpM/oRNjDDG-Gp4ZdHDIn_GAtRUfffXZ5FXxgCLcB/s640/Pages.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pages features books from the <a href="http://www.wsupress.wayne.edu/books/series-and-imprints/made-michigan-writers-series">Made in Michigan Writers Series</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>Opened in 2015, <a href="http://www.pagesbkshop.com/">Pages Bookshop</a> is a newcomer to Detroit's literary scene. This tiny shop on Grand River Avenue does not have the largest collection of titles, so you might not always find exactly what you are looking for, but you will find something unexpected on the store's tidy shelves. And the store will order anything it does not have in stock and has an online ordering option through its website that allows customers to pre-order books for pickup at the store.<br /><br />Pages also hosts a series of readings and events for local writers and hosts a local book club. The staff has been friendly and helpful both times I've visited. Plus, they have a cat, who gives the store a relaxing and homey feel.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1Rh4P3qTvU/WQFDMgy8wWI/AAAAAAAAKpY/SSsNRJvTfREwHTgFPjQ93ChICkfiuEwMQCLcB/s1600/Pages%2Bcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1Rh4P3qTvU/WQFDMgy8wWI/AAAAAAAAKpY/SSsNRJvTfREwHTgFPjQ93ChICkfiuEwMQCLcB/s640/Pages%2Bcat.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cat who carefully guards literature</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Literati Bookstore</b><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ann Arbor is known as Tree Town. As home to the University of Michigan and several bookstores, Book Town might be a better name for it. <a href="http://www.literatibookstore.com/">Literati Bookstore</a> opened in 2013 and has quickly established itself as a mecca for book lovers and writers. Literati hosts several book clubs and brings in nationally acclaimed writers for readings and book signings.</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bgh3a5Qrc68/WQFDcAVmBMI/AAAAAAAAKpc/2hMrYoGXgigp4eEqaJzBJrSES837H0jEACLcB/s1600/Literati.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bgh3a5Qrc68/WQFDcAVmBMI/AAAAAAAAKpc/2hMrYoGXgigp4eEqaJzBJrSES837H0jEACLcB/s640/Literati.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Literati's fiction section is filled with thoughtful staff recommendations.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">Literati's website states, "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: inherit;">We believe that, contrary to popular belief, we are not hurtling towards some digital, machine-operated future where an Amazon algorithm can decide your reading list. We believe in the whimsy that an independent bookstore provides. We believe that people still enjoy reading real books where real people work in a real bookstore."</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I believe the same things, and I'd guess most other independent bookstore fans do too. And that's why Literati does their job so well.</span><br /><i><br /></i><i>The above stores are just a few of Michigan's many independents. I hope to visit more during my travels. If you're looking for an independent bookstore in your area, try the store finder at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.indiebound.org/">https://www.indiebound.org</a>. It doesn't include every independent bookstore, but it's a great place to start.</i>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-85781500897927827652017-03-28T11:07:00.000-04:002017-03-28T11:07:00.869-04:00The Stars Still Shine at Detroit's Redford Theatre<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3HOWvddfFI/WNmxBySShwI/AAAAAAAAJgk/bgL-Tqr1st8s6YfssldRwpFSqn422ZrKACLcB/s1600/Redford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3HOWvddfFI/WNmxBySShwI/AAAAAAAAJgk/bgL-Tqr1st8s6YfssldRwpFSqn422ZrKACLcB/s640/Redford.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Redford Theatre</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a teenager, I saw a handful of movies at the </span><a href="http://redfordtheatre.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Redford Theatre</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> in Detroit--classics like </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">The African Queen</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">On the Town</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">, and </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Shane</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Everything about the Redford felt historic, from the organ to the interior architecture to the way they showed Warner Brothers cartoons before the feature and always had an intermission when we could refill our pop and grab more snacks without missing any of the action. I remembered how, once the lights dimmed, the sky-blue ceiling shone with hundreds of tiny lights, giving the audience the feeling that it was watching a movie under the stars.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Until Saturday, it had been a couple of decades since I visited the theater, so my memory was a little fuzzy about the building's architecture. Regardless, I was excited to bring my wife and two girls to the theater. The Redford was showing <i>Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone</i>, and my daughters were excited to see it for the first time in a movie theater.</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9B9j4vNEVM/WNmxAT_-90I/AAAAAAAAJg0/bfSpud8PD9MirTXVAqmcTt2GpJyhuO4DwCEw/s1600/Other%2Bstair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9B9j4vNEVM/WNmxAT_-90I/AAAAAAAAJg0/bfSpud8PD9MirTXVAqmcTt2GpJyhuO4DwCEw/s640/Other%2Bstair.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Japanese-themed painting in one of the staircases</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">The theater's yellow-trimmed marquee is not as imposing or ornate as those of other old movie houses in Michigan, which only makes the inside of the Redford Theatre more impressive. When the theater first opened in 1928, it had a larger marquee, but it was later replaced. Part of it was used for scrap metal during World War II, not the only change brought on by the war. The theater's original Japanese-themed interior was removed or painted over after Pearl Harbor, and much of it was still hidden when I last visited in the early 1990s.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0skLALwnuE/WNm2sCwdXlI/AAAAAAAAJhM/gTdUwBePgZgzQTNa5Mr0YZmpM69VmPXAACLcB/s1600/IMG_20170325_153832083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0skLALwnuE/WNm2sCwdXlI/AAAAAAAAJhM/gTdUwBePgZgzQTNa5Mr0YZmpM69VmPXAACLcB/s640/IMG_20170325_153832083.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lobby's ceiling art and chandelier</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">The lobby is not as lavish as some theaters from that era, but it has some beautiful touches, such as decorative stencils on the walls and ceilings and chandeliers in the grand foyer that were recovered from Detroit's Oriental Theatre. Stairways on each side of the lobby lead to the balcony seats.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDIkDCyG6kU/WNmw_xRrhHI/AAAAAAAAJg0/udKnvtw3OQ8fjdUGMQv-GHR6FFTurdxtQCEw/s1600/Chandelier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDIkDCyG6kU/WNmw_xRrhHI/AAAAAAAAJg0/udKnvtw3OQ8fjdUGMQv-GHR6FFTurdxtQCEw/s640/Chandelier.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of a chandelier from Detroit's old Oriental Theatre in its new home</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">Although the lobby is beautiful, the auditorium is glorious. The auditorium was designed to feel like a Japanese garden, with the stage and walls on each side of the stage capped with Japanese-style roofs. We explored the main level of the auditorium first. I marveled at the four Japanese figures on each side of the stage. These were new to me, as they had been discovered under several layers of paint in 1995. It was sad to think that they were exiled for 50 years but heartening to know that they have outlived the fear that tried to banish their memory.</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEz88t8Jjoo/WNmxCGs1GtI/AAAAAAAAJg0/PFaefdPIp4oTPs-LvoeR8Ow7XQo-KtrlQCEw/s1600/Right%2Bside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEz88t8Jjoo/WNmxCGs1GtI/AAAAAAAAJg0/PFaefdPIp4oTPs-LvoeR8Ow7XQo-KtrlQCEw/s640/Right%2Bside.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of the Japanese figures that were buried for 50 years</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">The theater's original organ sits in front of the far left of the stage. It was installed for the silent movies that were still being produced in 1928, and it is one of two original theater organs left in Detroit, the other being the Fox Theatre's. The Redford's Barton pipe organ is still in use today. The organist plays music for about a half hour before the feature, as well as during the intermission (Yes, they still have an intermission).</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ntiZTYXPIaw/WNmxAahdSAI/AAAAAAAAJg0/kzOdeDPwyQcCLpKIoVr8sJPpC9dpq-f8gCEw/s1600/Left%2Bside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ntiZTYXPIaw/WNmxAahdSAI/AAAAAAAAJg0/kzOdeDPwyQcCLpKIoVr8sJPpC9dpq-f8gCEw/s640/Left%2Bside.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Japanese figures on the left side of the stage</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">The kids in the audience loved the organ and the piano on the right side of the stage that is played by the organist from the organ console, making it appear as if a ghost from the 1920s is playing it. A few kids dressed in Harry Potter costumes were waving their wands back and forth in front of the piano as if their spells were causing the keys to move up and down.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I always sat in the balcony when I was younger, so my family and I went upstairs and found a seat in the front row of the balcony. Growing up watching movies in generic multiplexes, I always found it exciting to sit in the balcony and watch a movie like they did in the old days.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_l2zioSv34/WNmxCvEjZtI/AAAAAAAAJg0/l7dfiGccNuY3gBfLTrgCBpwMBN7qBgaYwCEw/s1600/Stairway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_l2zioSv34/WNmxCvEjZtI/AAAAAAAAJg0/l7dfiGccNuY3gBfLTrgCBpwMBN7qBgaYwCEw/s640/Stairway.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Japanese-themed painting above a staircase</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">Before the film began, I headed back to the lobby to buy drinks from the concession stand. The concession stand is reasonably priced, especially compared to today's multiplexes. Get the popcorn with butter! The Redford uses real butter on its popcorn; it's filling but fantastic.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I headed up to our seats with more than enough candy, popcorn, and pop. When the organist finished playing, both he and the organ console descended below stage level (another feature I loved as a kid). When it was time for the film to begin, the light dimmed. I looked up and saw that the stars were shining, brighter than ever.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Redford is located in Detroit's northwest corner on Lahser Road near Grand River Avenue and Six Mile Road. It shows films on Fridays and Saturdays approximately every other weekend, and it is also available for event rentals. For a list of upcoming events, click <a href="http://redfordtheatre.com/events/">here</a>. Also, for a really cool interactive tour of the theater, click <a href="http://redfordtheatre.com/tour-the-theatre/">here</a>, but trust me that the Redford Theatre is even better in person. Finally, the Redford Theatre's preservation and continued existence would not be possible without the efforts of the <a href="http://redfordtheatre.com/motor-city-theatre-organ-society/">Motor City Theatre Organ Society</a>.</span></i></b></div>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-16013266409858035932017-02-27T07:53:00.000-05:002017-04-25T16:24:46.484-04:00An Afternoon of Poetry in Detroit<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eT2VNWaaPbk/WLORm-OwrlI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/ozukmiInygAJ8vtXl5COt2Gg0YzS2XVtACLcB/s1600/Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eT2VNWaaPbk/WLORm-OwrlI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/ozukmiInygAJ8vtXl5COt2Gg0YzS2XVtACLcB/s640/Books.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three new collections of poetry by Michiganders</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>“Publishing a book of poetry is like dropping a rose petal down the Grand Canyon and waiting for the echo.”</i>&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">―Don Marquis</span><br /><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;">On Saturday afternoon, I had the opportunity to attend a poetry reading in Detroit presented by <a href="http://www.thomaslynch.com/1/234/lynch_and_sons_fund_for_the_arts.asp">Lynch and Sons Fund for the Arts</a> and <a href="http://www.wsupress.wayne.edu/">Wayne State University Press</a>. The event featured three poets,&nbsp;</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Keith Taylor,&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Cindy Morgan Hunter, and Jim Daniels, reading from their newest collections of poetry. Each collection was published through Wayne State's </span><a href="http://www.wsupress.wayne.edu/books/series-and-imprints/made-michigan-writers-series">Made in Michigan Writers Series</a>,<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">&nbsp;which publishes poetry, essays, creative nonfiction, and short fiction by Michigan writers.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><u><b>Keith Taylor</b></u></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haBoat1fgfQ/WLORsyQk-tI/AAAAAAAAI8U/JGCT7UKrn8wVNOyahpRsImbi10_0Z4AsgCLcB/s1600/Taylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haBoat1fgfQ/WLORsyQk-tI/AAAAAAAAI8U/JGCT7UKrn8wVNOyahpRsImbi10_0Z4AsgCLcB/s640/Taylor.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keith Taylor</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.keithtaylorannarbor.com/">Keith Taylor</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"> has published several&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">poetry</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">collections and teaches creative writing at the University of Michigan. He read from his newest collection of poetry, </span><i style="color: #181818;"><a href="http://www.wsupress.wayne.edu/books/detail/bird-while">The Bird-While</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">. Before reading his poems, he explained that he borrowed the title of his collection from Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson described a "bird-while" as "the space most of the wild birds will allow you to make your observations on them when they alight near you in the woods."&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Each of the poems Taylor read is a brief, but thorough, view of</span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;both human nature and actual nature. He read about his daughter's narcolepsy, a hummingbird that stops its work to watch a jet fly overhead, young scientists talking about life as information, and the day the trees in his yard were uprooted by a storm.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><u><b>Cindy Hunter Morgan</b></u></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PqGXWRLgVCg/WLORyvs2NVI/AAAAAAAAI8Y/WNVZBBbCXTwLHSWUCv9KAniBvci1nKnTACLcB/s1600/Hunter%2BMorgan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PqGXWRLgVCg/WLORyvs2NVI/AAAAAAAAI8Y/WNVZBBbCXTwLHSWUCv9KAniBvci1nKnTACLcB/s640/Hunter%2BMorgan.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cindy Hunter Morgan</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.cindyhuntermorgan.com/">Cindy Hunter Morgan</a>&nbsp;is a native Michigander who teaches creative writing at Michigan State University and has authored two award-winning chapbooks. Hunter Morgan read from <i><a href="http://www.wsupress.wayne.edu/books/detail/harborless">Harborless</a></i>, her collection of poems about Great Lakes shipwrecks. The Great Lakes are the resting grounds for more than <a href="http://www.shipwreckmuseum.com/underwater-research/shipwrecks/">6,000 shipwrecks and 30,000 mariners</a>, and Hunter Morgan gives a humanizing glimpse into what might have been the final moments of more than thirty of these wrecks.<br /><br />Before reading each poem, Hunter Morgan gave a brief history of the shipwreck itself. One ship caught fire carrying a cargo of peaches, and Hunter Morgan captures the smells, sights, and sounds of a ship full of peaches going up in flames. Another ship carried Christmas trees from the Upper Peninsula to Chicago, where families waited at the docks to purchase trees that never arrived. Hunter Mo<span style="font-family: inherit;">rgan used the <a href="https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/text/pantoum-poetic-form">pantoum</a>&nbsp;poetic form for this Christmas tree ship poem, <i>Rouse Simmons, 1912</i>. A pantoum consists of four-line stanzas in which the second and fourth lines of each stanza serve as the first and third lines of the next stanza.&nbsp;In this case, it gives the poem the wave-like effect intended by Hunter Morgan, as if the debris from the ship were bobbing up and down in the rolling waves.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Jim Daniels</u></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lIAD3ePXG7M/WLOR3scyqQI/AAAAAAAAI8c/8XdLmdxPz_gO9w3E8X5gayUMTvz_e-NzACLcB/s1600/Daniels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lIAD3ePXG7M/WLOR3scyqQI/AAAAAAAAI8c/8XdLmdxPz_gO9w3E8X5gayUMTvz_e-NzACLcB/s640/Daniels.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim Daniels</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.cmu.edu/dietrich/english/people/faculty/bios/jim-daniels.html">Jim Daniels</a> is a Detroit native and professor of creative writing at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Daniels explained that, despite living in Pittsburgh for more than thirty years, he always returns inland to Detroit. So he titled his latest collection of poems&nbsp;<i><a href="http://www.wsupress.wayne.edu/books/detail/rowing-inland">Rowing Inland</a></i>.&nbsp;The poems he read gave glimpses of the Metro Detroit of Daniels's youth and his relationships with his family then and today.<br /><br />When he read about driving the gridded streets of Detroit and ending up in Canada, Daniels's personal words felt personal to me, for I know these streets and drove them aimlessly as a teenager. His poem <i>Hard Candy</i>&nbsp;is about a family secret and the hard candy his grandmother kept in a metal dish. I remembered how both my grandmothers kept dishes of hard candy, and I wondered what sorrows and secrets they kept locked away.<br /><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b>The Venue</b></u></span></span><br /><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwJJ1GqDhR4/WLOR9bCwMvI/AAAAAAAAI8g/DZ0RGPyqudgSxniGshmP8zrVnpy9aMxAQCLcB/s1600/House%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwJJ1GqDhR4/WLOR9bCwMvI/AAAAAAAAI8g/DZ0RGPyqudgSxniGshmP8zrVnpy9aMxAQCLcB/s640/House%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The former Kresge estate</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">The reading was hosted at the former Kresge estate in Detroit's Arden Park neighborhood. Paddy Lynch, of the Lynch and Sons Fund for the Arts family, </span><a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/home-garden/2015/12/17/paddylynch-kresge-home/77509992/">purchased the house in 2011 and has brought it back to its original glory</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">. Besides the Kresges, who founded K-Mart, the house's street once was populated with famous Detroit families like the Dodges and Fishers.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;">Despite the grandeur of the home, the event was intimate. My wife, Allison, and I were able to speak to all three poets, and we found each of them to be friendly and unpretentious, normal people with extraordinary voices. The reading itself was in a basement room adorned with artwork along the walls. The poets and speakers stood in front of a mural that Paddy said reminds him of Ezra Pound's poem <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/47692" style="font-style: italic;">The River Merchant's Wife: A Letter</a>.&nbsp;Paddy read Pound's poem at the end of the night in honor of his parents, who will be celebrating their fortieth wedding anniversary this year.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;">Thomas Lynch, Paddy's uncle and a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thomaslynch.com/1/234/index.asp">renowned writer</a>&nbsp;in his own right, spoke before the readers. He depicted the struggle for poets to find audiences (and recited the Don Marquis quote above), and discussed the importance of poetry and the arts in our fractured society. His sense of humor shone as he joked that the poetry reading was a success because the attendees outnumbered the poets.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;">The reading was a reminder of </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Michigan's</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">natural beauty and the humanity of its residents. I look forward to seeing what other writers Lynch and Sons Fund for the Arts and the Made in Michigan Writers Series will uncover.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;">At the end of the night, I walked out of the reading with a signed copy of each poetry collection, beautiful broadsides of the poets' works by three letterpress studios, and the echoes of rose petals.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aQNfK0ekTTo/WLOSg_YANwI/AAAAAAAAI8k/OjQ_mlm1CUUPllIZBEaXn2RcSf6ehEsRQCLcB/s1600/Broadsides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aQNfK0ekTTo/WLOSg_YANwI/AAAAAAAAI8k/OjQ_mlm1CUUPllIZBEaXn2RcSf6ehEsRQCLcB/s640/Broadsides.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The broadsides</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span></span></span></span>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-66016022084557172982016-12-29T09:00:00.000-05:002016-12-29T09:00:01.241-05:00My Favorite New-to-Me Places to Eat and Drink in 2016<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NASTdNsI8ww/WGRyiHNWDuI/AAAAAAAAIGM/UQJIKr-InFgA3a5VKVOUa4u94ZhR7kEzgCLcB/s1600/Dime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NASTdNsI8ww/WGRyiHNWDuI/AAAAAAAAIGM/UQJIKr-InFgA3a5VKVOUa4u94ZhR7kEzgCLcB/s400/Dime.jpg" width="342" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>As 2016 comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the most important things in life, food and drink. Although I have plenty of favorite restaurants that I visit on a regular basis, I do like to try new places, especially when traveling around Michigan. Here are a few of my favorite restaurants and bars that I experienced for the first time in 2016.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Breweries</b></span><br /><br /><b><i>Tenacity Brewing</i></b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BomaOI2WRLM/WGRGs9ZmW3I/AAAAAAAAID8/5-4BGInURwo9LPWlYVMpvbckPYZSCWDuwCEw/s1600/Tenacity%2Boutdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BomaOI2WRLM/WGRGs9ZmW3I/AAAAAAAAID8/5-4BGInURwo9LPWlYVMpvbckPYZSCWDuwCEw/s640/Tenacity%2Boutdoor.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tenacity Brewing</td></tr></tbody></table>I visited <a href="http://www.tenacitybrewing.com/">Tenacity Brewing</a> in Flint one afternoon this fall. It had just opened for the night, so I was one of only a few customers. The brewery is in an old firehouse along the Flint River, and it has a great atmosphere with a few different rooms and outdoor seating to sit back and drink. I tried a flight of beers and was impressed. The Farmer's Daughter IPA was very good, and their Oktoberfest was smooth. The highlight was their dark wheat, and I purchased a growler of it to go.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hxBvYZVQIPo/WGRGuZY9BRI/AAAAAAAAIEA/GtXAtEg2hB0LzNdEZwOzfETh82Cqw9qwwCEw/s1600/Tenacity%2Bflight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="507" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hxBvYZVQIPo/WGRGuZY9BRI/AAAAAAAAIEA/GtXAtEg2hB0LzNdEZwOzfETh82Cqw9qwwCEw/s640/Tenacity%2Bflight.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An empty flight</td></tr></tbody></table><b><i>Bell's Eccentric Cafe</i></b><br /><div><br /><a href="https://www.bellsbeer.com/">Bell's Brewery</a> is the godfather of Michigan craft brewing. Larry Bell and his team started brewing in Kalamazoo more than thirty years ago, and Michigan's craft brewing revolution was born. Even though most of their brewing occurs in nearby Comstock, Bell's still brews on the original site in Kalamazoo, and they serve beer and food next door at the <a href="https://www.bellsbeer.com/eccentric-cafe">Eccentric Cafe</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRpYhmBQLO8/WGRs--6uZgI/AAAAAAAAIEg/Sfi_xDFxDEsr-UEphyK7shokZLKZ1oV_ACLcB/s1600/Bells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRpYhmBQLO8/WGRs--6uZgI/AAAAAAAAIEg/Sfi_xDFxDEsr-UEphyK7shokZLKZ1oV_ACLcB/s640/Bells.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bell's Eccentric Cafe</td></tr></tbody></table>Despite being a Bell's fan for years, I had never been to either of their breweries. The Eccentric Cafe lived up to my expectations. I had an excellent burger as well as a couple of delicious beers. After finishing my meal, I stopped at the Bell's General Store, which sells t-shirts, homebrewing equipment, beer glasses, beer (of course), and more. I picked up one six pack of the Oracle Double IPA and a mixed six pack of Bell's beers.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b><i>Lansing Brewing Company</i></b><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.lansingbrewingcompany.com/">Lansing Brewing Company</a>&nbsp;opened in 2015, more than one hundred years after the original Lansing Brewing Company closed its doors due to prohibition. The new establishment is in a former auto warehouse and serves food, in addition to beer, wine, and spirits. I have visited a few times this year and have never been disappointed with the food or the beer. I've sampled several of their beers and have enjoyed them all. The Amber Cream Ale is a rare style that is one of their signature beers. I recommend trying it. Visitors can take beer to go in growlers, or take home beer in 32-ounce cans called crowlers.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SwMhI9-sS9E/WGRtDB7TSPI/AAAAAAAAIEk/p_rtn7sq0y0i_5HDP4snm7UZ5JaYj1HOACLcB/s1600/Lansing%2BBrewing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SwMhI9-sS9E/WGRtDB7TSPI/AAAAAAAAIEk/p_rtn7sq0y0i_5HDP4snm7UZ5JaYj1HOACLcB/s640/Lansing%2BBrewing.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A flight of beer from Lansing Brewing</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><b><i>Midtown Brewing Company</i></b></div><div><br />I have visited <a href="http://www.midtownbrewingco.com/">Midtown Brewing Company</a>&nbsp;only&nbsp;once, for lunch. This Lansing brewpub has a few of its own beers on tap as well as beers from other craft brewers. I tried their stout, and it was solid. The Mutha Ducker burger was outstanding. The burger consists of grass-fed beef, fried goat cheese, cherry-walnut conserve, duck fat, house-made duck pastrami, and arugula. I'm pretty sure the burger covers all the five food groups.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cl-iEvnRVE/WGRE50nOYWI/AAAAAAAAIDs/z-u4BxCeL8o2xxDfEMYklpLH_fBYxVjTwCLcB/s1600/Midtown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cl-iEvnRVE/WGRE50nOYWI/AAAAAAAAIDs/z-u4BxCeL8o2xxDfEMYklpLH_fBYxVjTwCLcB/s640/Midtown.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mutha Ducking Awesome!</td></tr></tbody></table><b><i>Atwater in the Park</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.atwaterbeer.com/locations/atwater-in-the-park/#">Atwater in the Park</a>&nbsp;is Detroit's Atwater Brewery's location in Grosse Pointe Park. The brewpub is housed in an old church and serves a full food menu as well as beers brewed onsite and at the Detroit facility. My family and I were able to sit in the outdoor biergarten on a gorgeous fall day with friends who live nearby. We were still stuffed from an amazing brunch at Dime Store, so we just ordered a few appetizers and some beer. Our kids loved the Crazy Big Pretzel (I did too, to be honest), and the beers were awesome. The biergarten is the perfect place to enjoy the company of good friends while enjoying good beer.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZqlD2Fjab8/WGRDdXMbgbI/AAAAAAAAIDg/-mJ6awYa_NIGO6ZPTOjCmtNcjbgBH6EGACLcB/s1600/Atwater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="507" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZqlD2Fjab8/WGRDdXMbgbI/AAAAAAAAIDg/-mJ6awYa_NIGO6ZPTOjCmtNcjbgBH6EGACLcB/s640/Atwater.jpg" width="364" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A simple, but true, statement</td></tr></tbody></table><b><i>Vierling Restaurant and Marquette Harbor Brewery</i></b></div><div><br />I previously reviewed the <a href="http://thevierling.com/wp1/">Vierling Restaurant and Marquette Harbor Brewery</a> in <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2016/09/a-taste-of-marquette.html">my review</a> of Marquette's food and drink scene. I still look back longingly on the beer sampler I tried and their Where's My Bike? Double IPA. The Vierling is a must-visit for any trip to Marquette.</div><div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Spirits and Wine</b></span></div><br /><b><i>Detroit City Distillery</i></b><br /><br />Michigan is experiencing a craft distilling revolution much like the craft beer revolution of the last two decades.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.detroitcitydistillery.com/">Detroit City Distillery</a> opened in 2014 with a tasting room in Eastern Market. The tasting room feels like a bar should feel. It's dark, with exposed brick, a long mahogany bar, and no incessant music. It seems designed to encourage the enjoyment of spirits and the art of conversation. My wife and I stopped in for a quick drink one afternoon. I tried the Spirit Flight while she ordered a cocktail. I enjoyed the rye most and picked up a bottle to go. The next time I'm in Eastern Market without kids, I will definitely stop in.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzyLCmHIZR0/WGRvSrX6uSI/AAAAAAAAIE4/al0l-LEBKEU6CntZq_QexwHh8_feaSb7ACLcB/s1600/Detroit%2BCIty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="507" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzyLCmHIZR0/WGRvSrX6uSI/AAAAAAAAIE4/al0l-LEBKEU6CntZq_QexwHh8_feaSb7ACLcB/s640/Detroit%2BCIty.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detroit City Distillery</td></tr></tbody></table><b><i>Red Cedar Spirits</i></b><br /><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IxGWaMShb8/WGRCzyIPpzI/AAAAAAAAIDU/1U5LXjavPrEPtMZNoTkvLQAweq1eVWSYQCLcB/s1600/Red%2BCedar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IxGWaMShb8/WGRCzyIPpzI/AAAAAAAAIDU/1U5LXjavPrEPtMZNoTkvLQAweq1eVWSYQCLcB/s640/Red%2BCedar.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Cedar's Tasting Room</td></tr></tbody></table>East Lansing's <a href="https://redcedarspiritsdistillery.com/">Red Cedar Spirits </a>opened in 1998 and is one of Michigan's oldest distilleries. I visited shortly after the tasting room opened on a weekday, so I was the only customer in the place. Red Cedar Spirits is on the outskirts of town, so there isn't much else around it. But the bar itself was cool, and the bartender was knowledgeable about their spirits. Although their cocktails sounded interesting, I tried a flight, so I could sample their products undiluted. Overall, the spirits were good, and I purchased a bottle of bourbon to go.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OujvAyts1I/WGRC0sOP4QI/AAAAAAAAIDY/DiwE-7X1Sic0dWp36Z-SmedQdrfmJCBKgCEw/s1600/Red%2BCedar%2BFlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OujvAyts1I/WGRC0sOP4QI/AAAAAAAAIDY/DiwE-7X1Sic0dWp36Z-SmedQdrfmJCBKgCEw/s640/Red%2BCedar%2BFlight.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A flight of spirits</td></tr></tbody></table><b><i>Channel Wine Bar</i></b></div><div><br />I previously wrote about <a href="http://www.channelwinebar.com/home.html">Channel Wine Bar</a> in my post about <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2016/07/a-weekend-getaway-in-south-haven.html">visiting South Haven</a>. The Channel Wine Bar specializes in California wines and is a very laid-back and peaceful place to sip wine and have a conversation.<br /><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Food</b></span><br /><br /><b><i>Dime Store</i></b><br /><br />Detroit's <a href="http://www.eatdimestore.com/">Dime Store</a>&nbsp;is a top-notch breakfast and lunch option when visiting downtown. I have visited only&nbsp;once on a weekend. It was crowded, but the long wait for our party of eight was worth it. I had the sausage omelette (house-made pork sausage, bell pepper, onion, and fontina), which comes with toast and a large portion of breakfast potatoes. The omelette was excellent, and the pork sausage was amazing. Everyone in our party loved their food, and we all left happy and full.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5aygnR5W8BA/WGREC2qgv5I/AAAAAAAAIDk/n5p9UCDNS9wKxmeM7UOxPaJYuAy_F_lfgCLcB/s1600/Dime%2BStore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5aygnR5W8BA/WGREC2qgv5I/AAAAAAAAIDk/n5p9UCDNS9wKxmeM7UOxPaJYuAy_F_lfgCLcB/s640/Dime%2BStore.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dime Store's amazing sausage omelette</td></tr></tbody></table><b><i>Honcho</i></b><br /><br /><a href="http://eathoncho.com/">Honcho</a> describes itself as serving "Latin street food and coffee." This Clarkston restaurant opened in October and is part of the <a href="http://unionjoints.com/">Union Joints</a> group of restaurants. My wife and I visited in mid-November after running the <a href="http://clarkstonbackroadshalf.com/">Clarkston Back Roads Half Marathon</a>. We had planned on visiting another Union Joints restaurant, <a href="http://www.clarkstonunion.com/">Clarkston Union</a>, but they had an hour wait and we were suffering from serious post-race hunger.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWtCpc4TqIQ/WGRBs7kZQVI/AAAAAAAAIDM/w7JVHmOWZr07nHQ924HVdvicG8HlMJY2gCLcB/s1600/Honcho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWtCpc4TqIQ/WGRBs7kZQVI/AAAAAAAAIDM/w7JVHmOWZr07nHQ924HVdvicG8HlMJY2gCLcB/s640/Honcho.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two tacos and an arepa</td></tr></tbody></table>The long wait at Clarkston Union was fortuitous because it allowed us to have some of the best tacos I've had in Michigan. The tacos are not traditional Mexican tacos but a fusion of different cuisines. They also serve arepas, which are corn patties. I ordered two tacos and one arepa. The Moroccan beef, Korean pork, and curried lamb tacos (and arepas) were delectable and deceptively filling. We also ordered their salsa sampler with tortilla appetizer, which was definitely a good choice. As for the coffee, I only tried their regular coffee, but it clearly was high quality. My only problem with Honcho is that I don't live close enough to eat there more often.<br /><br /><b><i>Chartreuse</i></b><br /><br />Detroit's <a href="http://chartreusekc.com/">Chartreuse</a> is next door to the Detroit Institute of Arts and it deservedly makes a lot of "best of" lists. This warm and inviting restaurant serves excellent cocktails and creative dishes. I previously reviewed the restaurant <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2016/06/whats-been-on-my-plate-during-first.html">here</a>. The Detroit Free Press named it restaurant of the year, and I cannot argue with that.<br /><br /><b><i>Dia de los Tacos</i></b><br /><br />I love a good food truck and good tacos, so let's just say I adore Marquette's <a href="http://tacosmqt.weebly.com/">Dia de los Tacos</a>. I previously wrote about their tacos in <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2016/09/a-taste-of-marquette.html">this post about Marquette</a>, but I will add that my eight-year-old daughter still talks about "that food truck in Marquette." She might talk about it, but I dream about Dia de los Tacos.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFLq8KgPXE8/WGRx2uQYZeI/AAAAAAAAIGA/l-hO49mZEVotv7QDUAiVLOEAy3Nt2mrQQCLcB/s1600/Dia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFLq8KgPXE8/WGRx2uQYZeI/AAAAAAAAIGA/l-hO49mZEVotv7QDUAiVLOEAy3Nt2mrQQCLcB/s640/Dia.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish for "Best day of the year!"</td></tr></tbody></table><b><i>Jean Kay's Pasties &amp; Subs</i></b><br /><br />I also previously wrote about <a href="http://jeankayspasties.com/">Jean Kay's Pasties &amp; Subs</a> in my Marquette food post, but it's a must-visit when in Marquette, especially if you want to try some of the best pasties in Michigan. If you like pasties, you won't be disappointed.<br /><br /><b><i>Fork n' Pint</i></b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.forknpint.com/">Fork n' Pint</a> in Waterford opened in December 2015. In April, I <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2016/04/fork-n-pint-dining-on-shores-of-cass.html">wrote about my first visit</a>. Although my review was positive, my opinion of this restaurant has improved with each visit. Due to its great food, strong beer list, and location near my house, it is by far my most-visited restaurant of 2016. A few favorites are the Asian beef tacos, the pretzel bread appetizer, the walleye n' chips, and their burgers.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dO4ug9r-w1A/WGRwYO8ttLI/AAAAAAAAIFw/zA0ci5Kx1P0MFWcjp3ad0-2qGUKAOUxhgCLcB/s1600/F%2526P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dO4ug9r-w1A/WGRwYO8ttLI/AAAAAAAAIFw/zA0ci5Kx1P0MFWcjp3ad0-2qGUKAOUxhgCLcB/s640/F%2526P.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A burger from Fork n' Pint</td></tr></tbody></table>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-86620406712589504592016-12-05T08:00:00.000-05:002016-12-05T08:00:18.830-05:00Things to Do with Kids in Marquette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Am8TE7Oh40/V82TCRk5IkI/AAAAAAAAFsA/XflQHzNKWxsX2vpMvXNlivRJPFp3L2e0gCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160824_113000_804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Am8TE7Oh40/V82TCRk5IkI/AAAAAAAAFsA/XflQHzNKWxsX2vpMvXNlivRJPFp3L2e0gCLcB/s400/IMG_20160824_113000_804.jpg" width="507" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My family visited Marquette at the end of August, and my two young daughters (age eight and four) loved everything about it. With its many parks and its location on the shores of Lake Superior, Marquette is a great vacation destination for kids.<br /><br /><b>Shiras Park and Picnic Rocks Park</b><br /><br />When we first arrived in Marquette, we immediately headed to the beach. Even though my daughters are used to the warmer waters of the inland lakes near Detroit, they bravely swam in Lake Superior's cool water at Shiras Park's beach. We practically had to drag them out of the water because they were having so much fun. After they swam, we let them play on the playground at Picnic Rocks Park, which overlooks Lake Superior and is directly next to Shiras Park.<br /><br /><b>Presque Isle Park</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BSmvaafcRFo/WES5filpoSI/AAAAAAAAHuw/40MNuPNyRM00y7ya07YdT9lHsvrF-Y3kACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160825_114315_546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BSmvaafcRFo/WES5filpoSI/AAAAAAAAHuw/40MNuPNyRM00y7ya07YdT9lHsvrF-Y3kACLcB/s400/IMG_20160825_114315_546.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from Presque Isle</td></tr></tbody></table>The highlight of our trip was <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2016/09/presque-isle-more-than-island.html">Presque Isle Park</a>. Presque Isle is a 323-acre city park on the north side of town with several foot trails through its forests. My daughters managed to walk the roughly 2 miles around the perimeter of Presque Isle. They loved the views of Lake Superior and frolicking in the water by the Black Rocks as my wife and I took turns jumping from the cliffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Marquette also has a lot of indoor activities for bad-weather days or days when parents don't feel like dragging young children around nature trails.&nbsp;</div><div><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div><b>Upper Peninsula Children's Museum</b></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oiQILIKz8rg/WESyhQkw5wI/AAAAAAAAHuc/_wmi0KLNdXAx0Kh-UAI8DnDd4r0z9OchACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160824_112925_052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oiQILIKz8rg/WESyhQkw5wI/AAAAAAAAHuc/_wmi0KLNdXAx0Kh-UAI8DnDd4r0z9OchACLcB/s640/IMG_20160824_112925_052.jpg" width="486" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture outside the children's museum</td></tr></tbody></table>The <a href="http://www.upchildrensmuseum.org/">Upper Peninsula Children's Museum</a> is in the heart of downtown Marquette. We visited on a rainy weekday. The rain may have made it a little more crowded than normal, but I dislike crowds and did not feel like the number of kids was overwhelming.</div><div><br />The museum offers several exhibits. Kids can sit in the cockpit of a jet and communicate with other kids in a nearby "control tower." In one exhibit about water, children can get "flushed down" a toilet (it's really just a fun slide), and another exhibit allows them to slide down a pretend human digestive system. A pretend newsroom and weather map lets kids see themselves on nearby televisions. Another exhibit simulates a town with a barber shop, a fire station, a real ambulance, and more.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVlfjbuGOOQ/V82TCEJ9L3I/AAAAAAAAFr8/qLOLKWVi2qUNG0ezQdWifVbKp9QYNnNnACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160824_121144_913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVlfjbuGOOQ/V82TCEJ9L3I/AAAAAAAAFr8/qLOLKWVi2qUNG0ezQdWifVbKp9QYNnNnACLcB/s400/IMG_20160824_121144_913.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kids putting on a puppet show at the children's museum</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Creature Kingdom exhibit was one of my favorites. This exhibit has several reptiles on display. One of the museum staff members had kids set up a maze for some turtles and let the turtles try to navigate the maze. Children were able to touch and hold the turtles as well. We were in the museum for a couple of hours, and our daughters probably could have spent another two hours there.</div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXCYo1pBcKQ/V82TCyfKm3I/AAAAAAAAFsI/5jq5NVZ3aMIWbXP_2ialhPu8KQdUCHwnQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160824_121858_706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXCYo1pBcKQ/V82TCyfKm3I/AAAAAAAAFsI/5jq5NVZ3aMIWbXP_2ialhPu8KQdUCHwnQCLcB/s400/IMG_20160824_121858_706.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turtles navigating a maze</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Jilbert Dairy</b><br /><a href="http://www.jilbertdairy.com/"><br /></a><a href="http://www.jilbertdairy.com/">Jilbert Dairy</a> is a short drive from downtown Marquette, but it is a must-visit for any trip to Marquette. Jilbert has been providing dairy products to the Upper Peninsula since 1937. Their dairy store is designed to look like a barn, and it has a tasty collection of ice cream flavors. We visited on an overcast day, but we were able to sit in their outdoor seating area by the large cow statue. The ice cream was excellent and was worth the short drive from downtown.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujxd9llJ-V4/V82TDfif09I/AAAAAAAAFsQ/VVoVlJZ4_YUrIrm1xlySDb_fcpwOjRLWQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160824_154155_740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujxd9llJ-V4/V82TDfif09I/AAAAAAAAFsQ/VVoVlJZ4_YUrIrm1xlySDb_fcpwOjRLWQCLcB/s400/IMG_20160824_154155_740.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cow statue outside Jilbert Dairy</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Donckers</b><br /><div><a href="https://www.donckersonline.com/"><br /></a></div><div><a href="https://www.donckersonline.com/">Donckers</a> has been serving sweets to Marquette since 1896 and has been in its present location on Washington Street since 1914. Donckers includes a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a candy shop, and a soda fountain. We had lunch at the restaurant, which has decent sandwiches, and delicious ice cream from the soda fountain, but the highlight was the chocolates we picked up from the candy shop. Donckers isn't getting by on tradition alone; its chocolates are the real deal.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv8CVp1YMts/V82TmVYHpnI/AAAAAAAAFsY/fPJZB-4SHyoAeG28wnQttvgLX8Ca36-PQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160825_174948_025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv8CVp1YMts/V82TmVYHpnI/AAAAAAAAFsY/fPJZB-4SHyoAeG28wnQttvgLX8Ca36-PQCLcB/s400/IMG_20160825_174948_025.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donckers candy shop</td></tr></tbody></table><div><b>Lakenenland Sculpture Park</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjkJOT6sza4/V82UG6ybYUI/AAAAAAAAFsg/qDotOyMfzt4F3UEcVEbf4ymHfy8h0kIOACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160826_100526_814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjkJOT6sza4/V82UG6ybYUI/AAAAAAAAFsg/qDotOyMfzt4F3UEcVEbf4ymHfy8h0kIOACLcB/s400/IMG_20160826_100526_814.jpg" width="507" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://lakenenland.com/">Lakenenland Sculpture Park</a> is about fifteen miles east of downtown Marquette on M-28. We stopped at the sculpture park on our way out of town. Luckily, it is difficult to miss while heading east out of town, because we almost forgot to visit during our trip, but I was able to turn around after passing it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5w07hTbAXQ/V82UG7ZZ7ZI/AAAAAAAAFso/G9ZBky4gFyQzoIcK7btOXYsLAk39ZZWKgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160826_100738_709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5w07hTbAXQ/V82UG7ZZ7ZI/AAAAAAAAFso/G9ZBky4gFyQzoIcK7btOXYsLAk39ZZWKgCLcB/s400/IMG_20160826_100738_709.jpg" width="507" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Tom Lakenen owns the property and makes all of the sculptures from scrap metal. He does not charge admission for the park, which is open seven days per week, but there is a donation bin near the entrance. We donated a little because he is generous enough to share his art for free.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vJlW5UsjDA/V82RtE1GfmI/AAAAAAAAFr0/Z140lvaiqUYUd0_ITMQXlJX55JjdF_NYACLcB/s1600/2016-08-26%2B10.07.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vJlW5UsjDA/V82RtE1GfmI/AAAAAAAAFr0/Z140lvaiqUYUd0_ITMQXlJX55JjdF_NYACLcB/s400/2016-08-26%2B10.07.12.jpg" width="507" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Visitors can either walk or drive the trail through the park. Normally we'd prefer to walk, but we drove since we had a long drive home. We didn't seem to miss much by driving, since nearly all of the sculptures border the trail. The sculptures are creative and entertaining, and I definitely would stop again on my way to Marquette or the western U.P.<br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tn-47NGW0ck/WESzuv9z1yI/AAAAAAAAHuk/HJnAG2quysMNeGrWvRAnjnaWj552WTLTwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160826_100609_507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tn-47NGW0ck/WESzuv9z1yI/AAAAAAAAHuk/HJnAG2quysMNeGrWvRAnjnaWj552WTLTwCLcB/s640/IMG_20160826_100609_507.jpg" width="465" /></a></div><br /></div>Marquette has more museums and kid-friendly sites, such as the <a href="http://mqtmaritimemuseum.com/">maritime museum</a>, lighthouses, and <a href="http://www.marquettehistory.org/">history museum</a>. With only a few nights in the city, we didn't have time to see everything, but our daughters loved their time in Marquette. And we hope to visit again soon.</div>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-83215725374676239312016-09-28T07:00:00.000-04:002018-06-02T18:04:31.276-04:00Surviving the Capital City River Run Marathon<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmrOQ4jxeCk/V-sjxg8WI1I/AAAAAAAAGCM/LbKaxiXMU04Dt584umB4DztWkQzafFSiACLcB/s1600/Start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmrOQ4jxeCk/V-sjxg8WI1I/AAAAAAAAGCM/LbKaxiXMU04Dt584umB4DztWkQzafFSiACLcB/s640/Start.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of the Capital City River Run Marathon</td></tr></tbody></table><b>So I guess I'm running a marathon</b><br /><br />In 2004 and 2006, I ran the Marine Corps Marathon . . . slowly. Since then my wife and I have added two kids to our family, and I went full-on dad bod. I found time to exercise here and there, but I never really got back to the fitness level I wanted to be at.<br /><br />In December, I made a goal to run at least 20 minutes, or walk at least 30 minutes, per day. By early June, I had kept my goal and was increasing my running mileage to the point that running 10 miles was not too taxing. The farther I ran, the more I began thinking about my failures in the marathon.<br /><br />I started reviewing training plans and looking up races in Michigan in the fall. Should I really try breaking that 4-hour barrier that eluded me in 2004? (In 2006, I had no illusions of breaking 4 hours, since my training was a diversion for my bar exam studies.) Did I want to wake up at, or before, dawn for months to fit my runs in before long days at work?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Yes, I decided I wanted to walk away from a marathon satisfied for once. I selected Lansing's Capital City River Run Marathon on September 18, and I made a training plan with a little more mileage than the ones I used in previous attempts.<br /><br />Over the next three months, I did not miss a workout. I ran on vacation. I ran in the dark. I ran in the rain. I ran in extreme heat and humidity. I just ran.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b>The start</b><br /><br />And on September 18, I found myself standing among other runners near the state capitol, waiting for the race to start. The 8 a.m. start included all competitors for the marathon, half marathon, and marathon relay. (There also was a 5K run/walk that started about 15 minutes later.)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6S6G7_k9nI/V-ss2a0ZepI/AAAAAAAAGDY/bABUIiqXSBQ6oIAgNjBLD5cVjKcDbT1dwCLcB/s1600/Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6S6G7_k9nI/V-ss2a0ZepI/AAAAAAAAGDY/bABUIiqXSBQ6oIAgNjBLD5cVjKcDbT1dwCLcB/s640/Trail.jpg" width="472" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trail along the marathon path</td></tr></tbody></table>The PA system near the start could have been louder. It seemed that the speakers were pointed away from the runners, because they were louder when I was in the spectator area before I lined up near the start. I kept looking at my watch as the clock neared 8 a.m., but I and the runners around me seemed surprised when the runners at the front of pack started running. I think there was a collective "Oh, I guess we're starting" from the runners in the middle and rear of the pack.<br /><br /><b>The first nine miles</b><br /><br />The first three miles of the race were along Michigan Avenue. The sun was rising directly in front of us, so I tried to run near the buildings on the right side of the street to keep from being blinded by the sun. Remembering how I burned out too quickly twelve years earlier, I restrained myself from running too fast by hanging several seconds behind the 9-minute-mile pacer.<br /><br />After mile 3, we entered the heart of Michigan State University's campus. As a Wolverine, I picked up my pace a little to try to get through the heart of darkness as quickly as possible. In all seriousness, the campus was much nicer than Michigan Avenue, since we were able to run near the Red Cedar River for three to four miles, and the green-and-white-clad spectators were cheering everyone on (though I wisely did not wear maize and blue).<br /><br />The first 9 miles felt like the larger marathons or 5Ks I've run. Spectators lined the course. Kids cheered and gave high fives to runners. The pack of runners was large, and I was able to pace myself off of two or three runners who seemed to be running even splits.<br /><br /><b>Miles 9 through 20</b><br /><b><br /></b> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6h6GdBdHkA/V-slSH0gXJI/AAAAAAAAGCk/DEl8umoOT1QP0IAHAy--xNuVEpNr7jPZACLcB/s1600/Farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6h6GdBdHkA/V-slSH0gXJI/AAAAAAAAGCk/DEl8umoOT1QP0IAHAy--xNuVEpNr7jPZACLcB/s640/Farm.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rural road along the marathon</td></tr></tbody></table>But everything changed shortly after mile 9. I knew the half and full marathon courses diverged shortly after mile 9, and I knew there were only about 200 marathon runners, as opposed to 1,300 in the half. I was nervous that I would accidentally follow the half marathoners at the split, but the race organizers had well-marked signs warning that the split was coming up, as well as volunteers (and more signs) telling runners where to go at the point where the courses split. I joked to the volunteers that my run was about to get lonely.<br /><br />And I was right. As I veered to the left, the pack I was running with continued to the right, and I was by myself with only a few people about 100 yards in front of me. The next ten or eleven miles were a no man's land consisting mainly of farmland. Except for volunteers at water stations and police directing traffic, there were few spectators to cheer me on, which might discourage runners who need crowds, but I found the solitude to be refreshing. I could listen to my breathing and focus on running my own race.<br /><br />My two biggest gripes about this section of the course were the lack of shade and the lack of obvious mile markers. Unlike the stretch along the Red Cedar, there were no trees to protect runners from a surprisingly warm and sunny day (It was supposed to be cloudy!!!). I also do not know if I missed mile markers, but I found myself running two or three miles at a time without seeing a marker.<br /><br /><b>Miles 20 through 25</b><br /><br />Near mile 20, the course hooked up with the Lansing River Trail, where it ran through Hawk Island Park and alongside Sycamore Creek. At Hawk Island Park, I was tempted to hurl myself into the water to cool off as I was feeling overheated and exhausted, but I labored on. Sometime between the halfway point and mile 20, I knew that I wasn't going to beat 4 hours, but my secondary goal was to set a personal best. As long as I didn't break down and walk the last 6 miles, I would run my fastest marathon.<br /><br />I did walk a couple of times for about 8 minutes total after mile 21, but I never felt the extreme soreness in my legs that I did in my first two marathons. I felt exhausted enough to walk, but I knew I wouldn't be walking too much, just enough to refocus on running the last few miles.<br /><br />The Lansing River Trail was mostly shaded, but my only complaint was that the trail was open to the public. As I was struggling to stay on my feet the last two miles, I had to dodge a couple of bikers and one lady with a dog that wandered into my path. It would be nice if they could close the trail off to non-racers for an hour or two, but I survived.<br /><br /><b>The last 1.2 miles</b><br /><br />The mile 25 marker was the sweetest part of the marathon. Now, I believed spectators who screamed, "You're almost there!" I found a gear I had lost miles earlier and gradually picked up my pace. As I ran alongside the Grand River, I began to hear the PA announcer announce finishers as they crossed the finish line.<br /><br />I finally reached the bridge across the river and crossed it with the finish line in sight. As I neared the finish line, the PA announcer informed the crowd who I was, and I, in my worn-out state, decided to hold up each hand with my fingers in a v for victory and immediately thought, "What a dork! Who are you? Richard Nixon?" But I didn't care because I crossed the line with a new personal best by more than 20 minutes.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmPhGGnbM9A/V-slorbsnfI/AAAAAAAAGCo/uWj5c6KXdxAwFkn_784XaJlzdEAlLg2qwCLcB/s1600/Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="471" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmPhGGnbM9A/V-slorbsnfI/AAAAAAAAGCo/uWj5c6KXdxAwFkn_784XaJlzdEAlLg2qwCLcB/s640/Finish.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the finish</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Post-race</b><br /><br />The post-race atmosphere in Adado Riverfront Park was great. They had doughnuts, fruit, water, and pizza. There might have been more food and drink, but I went straight for the pizza and grabbed a couple of meaty slices. I then sat on the lawn, ate my pizza, and drank a bottle of water until I found the strength to stand up and begin walking toward our car. I was thinking of going to one of the restaurants that offered special deals to runners, but I just wanted to head back to the comfort of my own home.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Final thoughts</b><br /><br />The race could have used more porta-johns at the start, and better located ones along the course. (Some were out of the way, and adding extra distance to marathon is never fun.) The mile markers were also nonexistent or difficult to find at times. On the plus side, the aid stations were well run, with plenty of water and Gatorade, and the volunteers along the course, as well as the police directing traffic, did a great job.<br /><br />Overall, I enjoyed the marathon. For someone who does not mind a little solitude while running, it's a great race. Runners who need large crowds to feel motivated might find it difficult and may want to stick with the half marathon or the 5K.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rHeOt5yoTgw/V-snAboIODI/AAAAAAAAGC4/1D8j_i291jwTtLCjXXCTlD_ccJJwcgSRACLcB/s1600/Medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rHeOt5yoTgw/V-snAboIODI/AAAAAAAAGC4/1D8j_i291jwTtLCjXXCTlD_ccJJwcgSRACLcB/s640/Medal.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did it and was still standing.</td></tr></tbody></table><i>If you like this post, check out my new blog&nbsp;<a href="http://avidrunnersblog.com/">avidrunnersblog.com</a>&nbsp;for more running stories.</i>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-39557156970339061012016-09-16T06:45:00.000-04:002019-05-02T09:41:52.414-04:00Presque Isle: More than an Island<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDYD18Yoc8Y/V82wMNz6xqI/AAAAAAAAFug/fhYJBjCTP5g009nuFl6bfI51wtXxFKYHwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160825_131130_544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDYD18Yoc8Y/V82wMNz6xqI/AAAAAAAAFug/fhYJBjCTP5g009nuFl6bfI51wtXxFKYHwCLcB/s640/IMG_20160825_131130_544.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from Presque Isle</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.mqtcty.org/parks-presque-isle.php">Presque Isle</a> in Marquette is not an island. It's almost an island.<br /><br />Or is it more than an island?<br /><br />"Presque isle" means "almost an island" in French, and this peninsular park holds 323 acres of natural beauty. On a sunny Thursday morning, my family and I walked around the perimeter of the park. The park's road along the perimeter was closed to vehicular traffic, as it is for a few hours several times per week, so our daughters were safe to dart to and fro across the street without us worrying about cars.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TuwQzxGAoAs/V82vxq7Cf8I/AAAAAAAAFuI/z24ELU4EdoogI4WvmkIOM9cWaP9sHgsgwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TuwQzxGAoAs/V82vxq7Cf8I/AAAAAAAAFuI/z24ELU4EdoogI4WvmkIOM9cWaP9sHgsgwCLcB/s640/IMG_4339.JPG" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presque Isle's breakwater and lighthouse</td></tr></tbody></table>We parked and began our walk near the Presque Isle breakwater and light, where we watched a couple of kayakers launch and a few people walk along the breakwater towards the lighthouse. The walk along the road is approximately two miles total, but we made frequent stops to appreciate the spectacular views of Lake Superior from the cliffs above the water.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfLTUkEYETk/V82wLiINGrI/AAAAAAAAFuc/p5xNzFR2MjMU5lAqyMz7tga2Mdhyr7e1wCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160825_114115_947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfLTUkEYETk/V82wLiINGrI/AAAAAAAAFuc/p5xNzFR2MjMU5lAqyMz7tga2Mdhyr7e1wCLcB/s640/IMG_20160825_114115_947.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lighthouse in the distance</td></tr></tbody></table><a name='more'></a>Presque Isle also has interior foot trails, but we stuck to the road since our two young daughters were with us. Plus, I wanted to make sure I made it to the Black Rocks, since I knew how to get there from the road.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWdBdJV31rs/V82wLq79EDI/AAAAAAAAFuY/9Cga9vizNTEsjtHtYv7oItog_6aV2cQnQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160825_115021_671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWdBdJV31rs/V82wLq79EDI/AAAAAAAAFuY/9Cga9vizNTEsjtHtYv7oItog_6aV2cQnQCLcB/s640/IMG_20160825_115021_671.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much of Presque Isle's shoreline is composed of rocky cliffs.</td></tr></tbody></table>The Black Rocks are a rock formation on the north end of the park that juts out into Lake Superior. The rocks rise to about 15 feet above the water line, making it a popular spot to jump into the cool waters below.<br /><br />We found the Black Rocks by following the sounds of loud and sudden splashes and people happily screaming until we reached a parking lot where we could go to the left and climb over the rocks or head to the right towards the water. Not knowing that the rocks are accessible by wading into the water and scaling the rocks, I decided to climb over the rocks barefoot and wishing I had water shoes on.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>My wife, Allison, and our daughters waited near the water's edge where a small beach sits between the Black Rocks on the left and a smaller rock formation on the right. I highly recommend checking out the Black Rocks even if you don't take the plunge. The little cove is a beautiful place to relax and watch others jump from the cliff. I told Allison to have the camera ready in case I decided to jump.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KoanVhu1ZhI/V9s6LU-RkTI/AAAAAAAAF4A/6bqaiYku68okx8Kqwm75ulkBNjQLvW3pgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160825_121600111_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KoanVhu1ZhI/V9s6LU-RkTI/AAAAAAAAF4A/6bqaiYku68okx8Kqwm75ulkBNjQLvW3pgCLcB/s640/IMG_20160825_121600111_HDR.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter waiting for me to jump from the Black Rocks</td></tr></tbody></table>When I reached the area of the cliff where people were jumping, I looked over the edge and saw crystal-clear water with a ton of giant rocks below the surface. The water was still and like glass. Not sure if the water was distorting my depth perception, I asked a woman who was with her teenage kids whether it was safe to jump from this spot. She assured me that it was, but I waited until she and her kids jumped. Seeing that they survived the plummet, I edged a little farther away from the shore towards the spot where they jumped to ensure I did not meet a horrific death on the rocks below.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfaRALmo1-w/V9s6MWzYG4I/AAAAAAAAF4M/RAvaZ0kFQogBJimFfLs9g-xWlq19BXIiwCEw/s1600/IMG_20160825_125109724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfaRALmo1-w/V9s6MWzYG4I/AAAAAAAAF4M/RAvaZ0kFQogBJimFfLs9g-xWlq19BXIiwCEw/s640/IMG_20160825_125109724.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water was even more clear from the edge of the cliff.</td></tr></tbody></table>As my toes dangled over the precipice, I had second thoughts about jumping.<br /><br />"This feels lot higher than 15 feet above the surface. What if you slip and bounce off the cliff or accidentally do a belly flop? But those kids did it, so you kind of have to."<br /><br />I took a deep breath, leaped, and splashed into the cool water below.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WtBMWNHg0Oo/V82vzjs2cmI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/ERrCeZeczaQO9eQ8d7HSDeYTKdzBs4-JQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WtBMWNHg0Oo/V82vzjs2cmI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/ERrCeZeczaQO9eQ8d7HSDeYTKdzBs4-JQCLcB/s640/IMG_4363.JPG" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did not hire a stunt double. I promise.</td></tr></tbody></table>"That was Awesome!"<br /><br />I swam back towards the beach, but then decided to climb the rocks again for another jump, this time from a slightly higher spot. Allison then took a couple of turns jumping before I swam back out for one more jump. If the kids were old enough to jump or swim unsupervised, I would have jumped several more times and spent more time swimming. The whole experience was exhilarating.<br /><br />We toweled off and continued on our walk. I listened to the fading sounds of revelers crashing into the water, wishing I had time for one more leap.Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-65168186804193908962016-09-09T07:11:00.000-04:002018-06-02T18:03:15.303-04:00Running Marquette<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEo509LoBwo/V82pCjqBtlI/AAAAAAAAFtw/dTWAgPCxRzIrH_Uc95u65SGLWdaru9oRQCLcB/s1600/2016-08-25%2B08.52.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEo509LoBwo/V82pCjqBtlI/AAAAAAAAFtw/dTWAgPCxRzIrH_Uc95u65SGLWdaru9oRQCLcB/s640/2016-08-25%2B08.52.39.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marquette Harbor Light</td></tr></tbody></table>Sometimes the best way to see a city or new locale is to go for an early morning run. With only a few cars going by and almost no other pedestrians to get in your way, you can run through empty streets and paths absorbing your surroundings without distractions.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjY1-OXvq30/V82oUakVu6I/AAAAAAAAFtU/4pM_t4IaoDcCV5N-ujev7GiVOaHx_1f0gCEw/s1600/IMG_20160825_063909_035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjY1-OXvq30/V82oUakVu6I/AAAAAAAAFtU/4pM_t4IaoDcCV5N-ujev7GiVOaHx_1f0gCEw/s640/IMG_20160825_063909_035.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailboats in Marquette's harbor</td></tr></tbody></table>Marquette is a great town to go for a run. It has multiple running paths in and near the city, including the <a href="http://trailsmichigan.com/Marquette-City-Multi-Use-Path-5.php">Multi Use Path</a>&nbsp;that follows Lake Superior's shoreline from Presque Isle through the city until it connects with the <a href="http://ironoreheritage.com/map/">Iron Ore Heritage Trail</a>.<br /><br />I took two morning runs while in Marquette. The first morning, I left our rented house near Northern Michigan University and ran north on Presque Isle Avenue toward&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mqtcty.org/parks-presque-isle.php">Presque Isle Park</a>. It started pouring about two minutes into my run, but I continued on and the rain slowed to a drizzle for most of my eight-mile run. A right turn onto Hawley Street brought me to a beautiful view of Presque Isle's breakwater and lighthouse.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hfF2_9KRgjM/V82nEriGvMI/AAAAAAAAFs8/BhU1vKCn6fcq_J3wo3T-cjs2KnOdBJdawCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160824_070201_163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hfF2_9KRgjM/V82nEriGvMI/AAAAAAAAFs8/BhU1vKCn6fcq_J3wo3T-cjs2KnOdBJdawCLcB/s640/IMG_20160824_070201_163.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presque Isle breakwater and light at dawn</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a name='more'></a>I turned north on Hawley and ran around the perimeter of Presque Isle Park. The 323-acre peninsula ("presque isle" is French for almost an island) has forested foot trails throughout its interior, but I stuck to the even pavement of the outer road. The visibility was low due to the rain, and I did not want to stumble on the muddy trails. I ran with light feet along the wet road, trying to remain silent with the hope of seeing the albino deer that reportedly live on the island, but I saw&nbsp;only&nbsp;a few white-tailed deer as I entered the park.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzT_vVzkP4M/V82nFKhRdtI/AAAAAAAAFtE/uOXaWouZuzoQjUWZU4rbPf-J5Mrivpx5QCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160824_072402_321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzT_vVzkP4M/V82nFKhRdtI/AAAAAAAAFtE/uOXaWouZuzoQjUWZU4rbPf-J5Mrivpx5QCLcB/s640/IMG_20160824_072402_321.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presque Isle on a rainy morning</td></tr></tbody></table>The advantage of hugging the&nbsp;peninsula's perimeter was the views of Lake Superior and Presque Isle's rocky shores, especially after I veered off the road onto a footpath along the shore. I was a little nervous of losing my footing in a couple spots where the trail passed a few feet away from a fall onto the rocks below, but the perceived danger was worth the view.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D0FIptQMFFA/V82nEUibabI/AAAAAAAAFs4/pTNxlJAImU0iDJKe33xS4A0JlaSO8Y-7wCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160824_072358_027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D0FIptQMFFA/V82nEUibabI/AAAAAAAAFs4/pTNxlJAImU0iDJKe33xS4A0JlaSO8Y-7wCLcB/s640/IMG_20160824_072358_027.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rocky shores of Presque Isle</td></tr></tbody></table>The light rain robbed me of a colorful sunrise, but it made the island feel still and peaceful. The only sounds I heard were my breathing, my feet striking the ground, and water dripping from the leaves above me. After circling Presque Isle, I returned home by&nbsp;the Multi Use Path&nbsp;along Lake Superior until turning inland&nbsp;toward our house.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Hxdh9Bf5Sk/V82oUdDlPcI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/5B--ocryNBcLib6sYVqta-KHqS5j3TGvACEw/s1600/IMG_20160825_063417_578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Hxdh9Bf5Sk/V82oUdDlPcI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/5B--ocryNBcLib6sYVqta-KHqS5j3TGvACEw/s640/IMG_20160825_063417_578.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun beginning to rise over Lake Superior</td></tr></tbody></table>The second morning, I headed straight toward Lake Superior and ran south along the Multi Use Path toward downtown Marquette. This section of the path winds south through public parks and along Marquette's harbor. The views of Marquette Harbor Light, the ore dock, and the harbor are stunning.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5yrohhgH9dE/V9IJNg_A-uI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/dYc1-0QWV60MrC7EUBky4G9TuDYtsdXuACLcB/s1600/2016-08-25%2B08.44.49%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="705" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5yrohhgH9dE/V9IJNg_A-uI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/dYc1-0QWV60MrC7EUBky4G9TuDYtsdXuACLcB/s640/2016-08-25%2B08.44.49%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ore dock in Marquette</td></tr></tbody></table>It was not raining, so a beautiful sunrise accompanied me on my run. A hint of orange first overtook the dark horizon before pinks and reds chimed in. Even though the weather was nice, I only saw a few other runners and walkers on the path.<br /><br />I ran about 5 miles total out and back. As I approached Shiras Park on the way back to our house, I noticed a few people staring toward the water, so I decided to interrupt my run to see what the fuss was about. I do not normally like to stop in the middle of a run, but I was happy that I ignored my urge to keep running. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2d5VykJG_5o/V82oVg1yf5I/AAAAAAAAFtc/01JztIxdR_sLnklVe4iUgeEvLHO2_jF4QCEw/s1600/IMG_20160825_070617_973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2d5VykJG_5o/V82oVg1yf5I/AAAAAAAAFtc/01JztIxdR_sLnklVe4iUgeEvLHO2_jF4QCEw/s640/IMG_20160825_070617_973.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun peeking out from the horizon</td></tr></tbody></table>The sun was beginning to peek out from beyond the horizon, and I stood in awe of the colors blanketing the calm waters of Lake Superior. I spent several minutes watching the sun rise from the water.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxAcF5cIDNs/V82oV6GpP8I/AAAAAAAAFtg/ziq0Sjmp8iA3OammFNJwK8z9d9l2o_LDQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160825_070937_176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxAcF5cIDNs/V82oV6GpP8I/AAAAAAAAFtg/ziq0Sjmp8iA3OammFNJwK8z9d9l2o_LDQCLcB/s640/IMG_20160825_070937_176.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun over Picnic Rocks</td></tr></tbody></table>Eventually, the sun rose into the clouds, and I took a deep breath and continued on my way.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NnkhugTaCsU/V82pBzbx7FI/AAAAAAAAFto/3cnTLYYrRAQcFxg5-0dxwxy5KyDidgvnACLcB/s1600/2016-08-25%2B08.20.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NnkhugTaCsU/V82pBzbx7FI/AAAAAAAAFto/3cnTLYYrRAQcFxg5-0dxwxy5KyDidgvnACLcB/s640/2016-08-25%2B08.20.51.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wife went for a run shortly after I did, and the sky was still beautiful.</td></tr></tbody></table><i>If you like this post, check out my new blog&nbsp;<a href="http://avidrunnersblog.com/">avidrunnersblog.com</a>&nbsp;for more running stories.</i>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-90780089316902517472016-09-06T07:00:00.000-04:002016-09-09T11:47:10.464-04:00A Taste of Marquette<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-poT1j8cIZP4/V84SkdXMbBI/AAAAAAAAFvU/7Wq80SFcdScNxY7BEDk6v71i0Uj330TWgCLcB/s1600/Marquette%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-poT1j8cIZP4/V84SkdXMbBI/AAAAAAAAFvU/7Wq80SFcdScNxY7BEDk6v71i0Uj330TWgCLcB/s640/Marquette%2B2.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Marquette</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I made my first visit to Marquette at the end of August and was impressed by this awesome city. Although it <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2016/09/running-marquette.html">sits on the shores of Lake Superior</a> and is surrounded by wilderness and amazing outdoor activities, Marquette offers great food, drink, and cultural attractions. This is not surprising since Marquette is the Upper Peninsula's largest city, with 21,000 residents, and it is the home of Northern Michigan University, the U.P.'s largest university.<br /><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao3vMuXtNOk/V84a24nV8kI/AAAAAAAAFvk/5KsewVbP9i0v9sH7trKz5RIuwOeaAC9IwCLcB/s1600/Sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="617" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao3vMuXtNOk/V84a24nV8kI/AAAAAAAAFvk/5KsewVbP9i0v9sH7trKz5RIuwOeaAC9IwCLcB/s640/Sculpture.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">One of the sculptures at NMU's sculpture walk</span></td></tr></tbody></table>With so much to do, Marquette feels larger than it is. The areas near NMU and the downtown, with their residential streets, bars, restaurants, and shopping, reminded me of a hilly Ann Arbor. My family and I rented a small house on a residential street near NMU's campus. We could walk to the beach, downtown, the restaurants and bars on Third Street, and campus.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />We were only a couple blocks away from NMU's athletic campus, which is home to the <a href="http://www.nmuwildcats.com/information/superior_dome">Superior Dome</a>, the largest wooden dome in the world and home to NMU's football, soccer, and track teams. We also walked around the the main campus and enjoyed the outdoor sculpture walk. NMU's main campus also contains the <a href="http://art.nmu.edu/department/museum/About.html">DeVos Art Museum</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.nmu.edu/forestrobertstheatre/home-page">Forest Roberts Theatre</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfZHAfc_950/V8Y3Az6vl1I/AAAAAAAAFqg/6Ij-oqKbKcwpFqrELS2una46fHEg1iddwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160824_142814_070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfZHAfc_950/V8Y3Az6vl1I/AAAAAAAAFqg/6Ij-oqKbKcwpFqrELS2una46fHEg1iddwCLcB/s640/IMG_20160824_142814_070.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They apparently replaced this sign a few days after I visited</td></tr></tbody></table>The downtown area has a great <a href="http://www.upchildrensmuseum.org/">children's museum</a> and a <a href="http://www.marquettehistory.org/">history center</a>. Downtown also has a great independent bookstore,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.snowboundbooks.com/">Snowbound Books</a>. My daughters loved the children's section, and I walked out with a couple of books by Michigan authors. Marquette also offers a <a href="http://mqtmaritimemuseum.com/">maritime museum</a> where visitors can tour the Harbor Lighthouse.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0ufb1bOFfo/V8Y3ZghQfqI/AAAAAAAAFqw/ArIdnmCfd1UipBqpbbICiCN2voq92zpVACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160825_141532_700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0ufb1bOFfo/V8Y3ZghQfqI/AAAAAAAAFqw/ArIdnmCfd1UipBqpbbICiCN2voq92zpVACLcB/s640/IMG_20160825_141532_700.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dia de los Tacos means "Frickin' awesome" in English</td></tr></tbody></table>I loved the food and beer in Marquette. I'm always on the lookout for good Mexican food, and we found delicious tacos from a food truck. Dia de los Tacos&nbsp;parks in a different location each day, but they list their locations on their <a href="http://tacosmqt.weebly.com/index.html">website</a>, so we easily found them by the medical center on a Thursday afternoon. Their tacos were the best I've had in a while. The ingredients were fresh, and they hit the spot after a day walking around Presque Isle and jumping off the Black Rocks.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-on6ZGFWaB40/V81yb2aHMWI/AAAAAAAAFrY/D1PpOinPx5QUri0XpgOOFzMWwilffpzWgCLcB/s1600/2016-08-25%2B14.30.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-on6ZGFWaB40/V81yb2aHMWI/AAAAAAAAFrY/D1PpOinPx5QUri0XpgOOFzMWwilffpzWgCLcB/s640/2016-08-25%2B14.30.23.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing tacos from Dia de los Tacos</td></tr></tbody></table>I think it's sacrilegious to visit the U.P. without having a pasty. Luckily, Marquette has more than one place to get a pasty. I tried <a href="http://www.jeankayspasties.com/">Jean Kay's</a> because it was close to our house and it also makes every "best pasties in the U.P." list. My family and I tried the steak, steak with rutabaga, and veggie pasties. All were delicious, and my wife said that the veggie pasty was the best veggie pasty she's had.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya_zya4ilaQ/V81yax1fdCI/AAAAAAAAFrU/HImGX9UnossQkSXd7uNMFyY2pqpbSJR-ACLcB/s1600/2016-08-24%2B13.35.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya_zya4ilaQ/V81yax1fdCI/AAAAAAAAFrU/HImGX9UnossQkSXd7uNMFyY2pqpbSJR-ACLcB/s640/2016-08-24%2B13.35.15.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vierling's fish and chips</td></tr></tbody></table>If you like craft beer, Marquette will not disappoint you. The <a href="http://thevierling.com/wp1/">Vierling Restaurant &amp; Marquette Harbor Brewery</a> overlooks Marquette's harbor. The fish and chips I ordered were excellent, but the beer was the highlight. I ordered the beer sampler that includes small glasses of all ten beers on tap. They were tapped out of one beer, so they gave me nine to start and let me pick my favorite of those for my tenth glass. All the beers were good, but my favorites were the porter, the stout, and the Where's My Bike double IPA. The double IPA was so good that I came back later for a growler of it.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4dl1p3gqHM/V8Y3AllAp5I/AAAAAAAAFqc/sV5kZumbueEpvjEEAhcW7gDX8GROOWCVwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160824_131500_293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4dl1p3gqHM/V8Y3AllAp5I/AAAAAAAAFqc/sV5kZumbueEpvjEEAhcW7gDX8GROOWCVwCLcB/s640/IMG_20160824_131500_293.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beer tasting flight at Vierling</td></tr></tbody></table>Marquette has two other breweries that I did not visit, since we had our kids with us, but I did pick up a mixed six pack with a few of each brewery's beers at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.everydaywinesmqt.com/">Everyday Wines</a> downtown. <a href="http://ore-dock.com/">Ore Dock Brewing Company</a>&nbsp;is in the heart of downtown, and I really enjoyed their porter. <a href="http://www.blackrocksbrewery.com/">Blackrocks Brewery</a>&nbsp;is on Third Street in a "little yellow house on the corner." People were sitting outdoors drinking beer and listening to live music one night when we walked past. Dia de los Tacos also parks outside the brewery on Friday and Saturday nights. All three Blackrocks beers I tried were good, especially their 51K IPA. A portion of all 51K IPA sales goes toward the maintenance and building of recreational trails.<br /><br />After only three nights in Marquette, I wanted to stay longer to experience more of the city. I'm sure I will return, and I might have to stop in for a growler refill if I'm traveling to more remote areas of the U.P.</div>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-52357110448832356152016-08-29T07:00:00.000-04:002016-08-29T10:24:14.786-04:00Les Cheneaux Views<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7yZPzcyAKLg/V8JMUALRw7I/AAAAAAAAFp0/BdXeOrDxqH4AKe8tDC6EYGaURhaUMByTgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160823_094148_370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7yZPzcyAKLg/V8JMUALRw7I/AAAAAAAAFp0/BdXeOrDxqH4AKe8tDC6EYGaURhaUMByTgCLcB/s640/IMG_20160823_094148_370.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hills Point Docking's boathouse from the beach at Hills Point Resort</td></tr></tbody></table>The Les Cheneaux Islands are one of my favorite spots in Michigan. This group of thirty-six islands just east of the Mackinac Bridge have long been an important place for my family. My dad vacationed there when he was young, then <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2013/09/summers-in-up-part-ii-same-state-but_11.html">he and my mom took me and my siblings back every summer</a> while we were growing up. Last year, <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2015/10/a-return-to-past-at-les-cheneaux-islands.html">I finally visited again for the first time in years</a>, bringing my own kids along to experience the serenity and slow pace of these islands.<br /><br /><div>This year, we returned. We relaxed. We reveled in the beauty of our surroundings.<br /><br />It's not just nostalgia and good times with family that bring me back. The tranquil waters and quiet shores bring peace to my soul and beckon my return.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-grVwQAap4sA/V8LCjOogD7I/AAAAAAAAFqE/gcb4_eVCwDIrg8NKt1gApPh4AC38r3A0wCLcB/s1600/IMG_4305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-grVwQAap4sA/V8LCjOogD7I/AAAAAAAAFqE/gcb4_eVCwDIrg8NKt1gApPh4AC38r3A0wCLcB/s640/IMG_4305.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cedarville Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zHmBTtX7JU/V8JLQU_qO5I/AAAAAAAAFpA/35VVcPx3MpU4cjgbHTgS4anKLAsejsIpgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zHmBTtX7JU/V8JLQU_qO5I/AAAAAAAAFpA/35VVcPx3MpU4cjgbHTgS4anKLAsejsIpgCLcB/s640/IMG_4309.JPG" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue skies and blue water</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cbmeGwAcfOc/V8JMSYCFVrI/AAAAAAAAFpU/xVFELkoHdvgnBGuzlZIZWzrSp7DfQlltACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160820_133359_760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cbmeGwAcfOc/V8JMSYCFVrI/AAAAAAAAFpU/xVFELkoHdvgnBGuzlZIZWzrSp7DfQlltACLcB/s640/IMG_20160820_133359_760.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dog keeping watch for ducks</td></tr></tbody></table>Most of the islands are only accessible by boat, so boathouses act as garages for homes on the islands.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_a34IYCZTjM/V8JLQpHbV-I/AAAAAAAAFpE/8YbKlqB-FGMTazllksAz-rHP3YhxHw_3ACLcB/s1600/IMG_4311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_a34IYCZTjM/V8JLQpHbV-I/AAAAAAAAFpE/8YbKlqB-FGMTazllksAz-rHP3YhxHw_3ACLcB/s640/IMG_4311.JPG" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden boathouses</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vi-zoVrCFY/V8JLR9YWFAI/AAAAAAAAFpI/DsOlQi_l3zEUSjSqRR6KAZJfOWBiDYQ7gCLcB/s640/IMG_4312.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="507" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice Front Yard!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vi-zoVrCFY/V8JLR9YWFAI/AAAAAAAAFpI/DsOlQi_l3zEUSjSqRR6KAZJfOWBiDYQ7gCLcB/s1600/IMG_4312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The mornings are peaceful. I enjoyed morning runs on Hill Island and Island Number Eight and watching the sun slowly rise over the trees and water.</div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vi-zoVrCFY/V8JLR9YWFAI/AAAAAAAAFpI/DsOlQi_l3zEUSjSqRR6KAZJfOWBiDYQ7gCLcB/s1600/IMG_4312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mu_-YA3moHk/V8JMUJh23NI/AAAAAAAAFpw/sj9jNFgyRl4M4EY4SMJ6Frs_ZHEVkrXrgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160823_072221_361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mu_-YA3moHk/V8JMUJh23NI/AAAAAAAAFpw/sj9jNFgyRl4M4EY4SMJ6Frs_ZHEVkrXrgCLcB/s640/IMG_20160823_072221_361.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise over Flowers Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuhCuES0Cpg/V8JMSVL9uZI/AAAAAAAAFpY/4S6Opne6N-89QVReErS54Ya4hB8YMdARACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160821_073608_509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuhCuES0Cpg/V8JMSVL9uZI/AAAAAAAAFpY/4S6Opne6N-89QVReErS54Ya4hB8YMdARACLcB/s640/IMG_20160821_073608_509.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end of Hill Island Road on a morning run</td></tr></tbody></table>The islands provide some of my favorite sunsets in Michigan, whether I am on shore or on the water. The last sunset of my vacation was bittersweet because it will probably be at least a year before I can see these gorgeous skies again.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydcY21lS2U8/V8JLT2LAwpI/AAAAAAAAFpM/S5yJOOcaYQMJ_qwoNk345rzRexH6LASgACLcB/s1600/CAM00245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydcY21lS2U8/V8JLT2LAwpI/AAAAAAAAFpM/S5yJOOcaYQMJ_qwoNk345rzRexH6LASgACLcB/s640/CAM00245.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sky at sunset (My 8-year-old daughter took this picture. Had to share)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-womqEkHly_w/V8JMTKdzWqI/AAAAAAAAFpg/0H58qGdETTgr5TZ5GArXqChAcA5qKNTkwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160821_202049_708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-womqEkHly_w/V8JMTKdzWqI/AAAAAAAAFpg/0H58qGdETTgr5TZ5GArXqChAcA5qKNTkwCLcB/s640/IMG_20160821_202049_708.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset reflecting off the water</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPVAZWUBD4A/V8JMTVBuhWI/AAAAAAAAFpo/VPWZUNSH0vYgFoq0OHHK_pzyS2DwGr5ZQCLcB/s640/IMG_20160821_202707_924.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="507" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on Hill Island</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPVAZWUBD4A/V8JMTVBuhWI/AAAAAAAAFpo/VPWZUNSH0vYgFoq0OHHK_pzyS2DwGr5ZQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160821_202707_924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmV-Np15zZ4/V8JMTjZt8AI/AAAAAAAAFps/J5j0cmSkKQ4jCSwihLorwovjhaO-G-e8wCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160822_184111_637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmV-Np15zZ4/V8JMTjZt8AI/AAAAAAAAFps/J5j0cmSkKQ4jCSwihLorwovjhaO-G-e8wCLcB/s640/IMG_20160822_184111_637.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The southern end of the Islands with Lake Huron before us and the sun beginning to set</td></tr></tbody></table>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-63174117782996381842016-07-28T08:00:00.000-04:002018-06-02T18:06:04.453-04:00Running the Kal-Haven Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KnYaDUJaeo/V5ll3EXPL7I/AAAAAAAAFd0/ZP4gtR2qU0shprRXXbjX4ZfhvhLl0j6hQCLcB/s1600/Kalven%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KnYaDUJaeo/V5ll3EXPL7I/AAAAAAAAFd0/ZP4gtR2qU0shprRXXbjX4ZfhvhLl0j6hQCLcB/s640/Kalven%2B2.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kal-Haven Trail</td></tr></tbody></table>Before the advent of automobiles and highways, trains carried Michiganders and cargo across a system of rails connecting small towns, big cities, and Great Lakes ports. As cars and air travel became more popular, this rail system slowly became obsolete. Beginning in the 1960s, <a href="http://www.railstotrails.org/about/history/">conservationists and outdoors enthusiasts around the country started a movement</a> to convert these railroads to trails for public use. Michigan now has approximately <a href="http://www.railstotrails.org/our-work/united-states/michigan/#state">120 rail-trails totaling more than 2,000 miles</a>.<br /><br />On my <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2016/07/a-weekend-getaway-in-south-haven.html">recent trip to South Haven</a>, I had the opportunity to run along the Kal-Haven Trail on the morning I left town. The trail is a 34.5 mile former railroad that connects Kalamazoo and South Haven. I started at the trailhead, which is about one mile northeast of downtown South Haven. I parked in the trailhead's lot, stretched, and began running.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7yE4wFMlOWw/V5bQUmrLe1I/AAAAAAAAFdA/6B8pZMFWm48d4bIrIQjJn-LYaNEJv_i2ACLcB/s1600/KalHaven%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7yE4wFMlOWw/V5bQUmrLe1I/AAAAAAAAFdA/6B8pZMFWm48d4bIrIQjJn-LYaNEJv_i2ACLcB/s640/KalHaven%2B1.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Black River from the Kal-Haven Trail</td></tr></tbody></table>I ran an out-and-back of approximately 15 miles, so I only saw about 7.5 miles of the trail. The first stretch of the trail is paved before it eventually turns into crushed limestone. The starting mile marker is probably about 0.2 miles into the trail. The trail has a mile marker every mile. I &nbsp;questioned the accuracy of a couple of mile markers because twice I had a very quick (for me) split immediately followed by a slow split, and I don't think my pace was varying that much.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />The first mile of the trail was the most scenic part I saw, as it mostly runs next to the Black River. The glassy water of the river and the lush green trees make a peaceful setting for a run, walk, or bike ride. The highlight was running through an old covered bridge over the Black River. Shortly after the bridge, the Black River section of the trail ends as the river veers away toward the south.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1y3alu-OxEU/V5lbDq63TcI/AAAAAAAAFdk/U-LLd7uW55oE7J1xI78Oz1bBXFFgsPqBQCLcB/s1600/Covered%2BBridge%2Bon%2Btrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1y3alu-OxEU/V5lbDq63TcI/AAAAAAAAFdk/U-LLd7uW55oE7J1xI78Oz1bBXFFgsPqBQCLcB/s640/Covered%2BBridge%2Bon%2Btrail.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covered bridge across the Black River</td></tr></tbody></table>The second mile of the run is still heavily wooded, but the tree-covered path gives way to farmland near the mile two marker. Blueberry farms and cornfields were the primary scenery for the next five and a half miles. The trail still had enough trees lining it to provide shade from the July sun peeking out from behind the clouds on the overcast morning.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wxYHAkIWdE/V5bQ0If8T7I/AAAAAAAAFdI/72YuytNf1GYbsdZQDLlMtSFLA_yhTkiEACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160717_104636_380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wxYHAkIWdE/V5bQ0If8T7I/AAAAAAAAFdI/72YuytNf1GYbsdZQDLlMtSFLA_yhTkiEACLcB/s640/IMG_20160717_104636_380.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many farms along the Kal-Haven Trail</td></tr></tbody></table>Once I hit farm country, the trail crossed country roads every mile. At the intersections between the trail and country roads, I saw a few houses, a church, and a business touting its clean bathrooms. The roads were quiet, and I only once had to stop for a car to go by.<br /><br />For a weekend morning, there were not many other people on the trail. After the first mile, I went five to ten minutes without seeing anyone else a few times. I was surprised I didn't see any deer or wildlife other than a few birds, since I see deer a few times a week in my suburban Detroit neighborhood. Although I didn't observe any wildlife, there were wild raspberries growing along the trail. Even though they looked good, I did not stop to try them, because the ones I noticed were too far off the path.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kmGO5CUtZ4/V5bQ0MacmwI/AAAAAAAAFdE/qmea9FVSwcM7ay13pbqxIDCwImGpmfo4gCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160717_111757_750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kmGO5CUtZ4/V5bQ0MacmwI/AAAAAAAAFdE/qmea9FVSwcM7ay13pbqxIDCwImGpmfo4gCLcB/s640/IMG_20160717_111757_750.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many roads that cross the Kal-Haven Trail</td></tr></tbody></table>Overall, the Kal-Haven trail is a great trail for runners training for a marathon or half-marathon. The unpaved trail is less jarring on bones and joints than asphalt or concrete, and the mile markers make it easy to keep track of your distance. Except for a few tiny hills in the first half-mile, the trail is flat and not challenging, making it a good trail for people who want an easy stroll surrounded by nature. I also would love to see the rest of it by bike, because the trail does pass from farmland to woods again and through a couple of small towns before reaching Kalamazoo. If I lived in Kalamazoo, I might even considering making a weekend bike trip to South Haven to take a dip in Lake Michigan.<br /><br />After my run, I went to one of the public beaches in South Haven. I waded out into the water and just floated, letting the water remove the burden from my legs.<br /><br /><i>If you like this post, check out my new blog&nbsp;<a href="http://avidrunnersblog.com/">avidrunnersblog.com</a>&nbsp;for more running stories.</i><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>For more information about rails-to-trails across Michigan and the United States, visit the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy website at <a href="http://www.railstotrails.org/">www.railstotrails.org</a>.&nbsp;</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>For general information about Michigan trails, visit the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance website at <a href="http://michigantrails.org/">michigantrails.org</a>.</i></b>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-51703366719923269292016-07-20T09:42:00.000-04:002016-07-28T14:07:59.655-04:00A Weekend Getaway in South Haven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ag9z2jwA3Ig/V42bAynTlzI/AAAAAAAAFa8/yUaiJd9oZbw3rtc4LIkf8Ny55s2-g9XLQCLcB/s1600/Jeff%2Blighthouse%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ag9z2jwA3Ig/V42bAynTlzI/AAAAAAAAFa8/yUaiJd9oZbw3rtc4LIkf8Ny55s2-g9XLQCLcB/s400/Jeff%2Blighthouse%2B1.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Michigan and the South Haven Lighthouse</td></tr></tbody></table>This past weekend, my wife, Allison, and I visited South Haven for a quick vacation. South Haven is on the shores of Lake Michigan, about an hour drive from Grand Rapids, two hours from Chicago, and three hours from Detroit. We arrived around 4 p.m. on Friday and left around 1 p.m. on Sunday, just enough time to get a taste of South Haven and to leave us wanting more.<br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Our Accommodations</span></div><div><br /></div><div>We stayed in the beautiful <a href="http://www.yeltonmanor.com/">Yelton Manor Bread and Breakfast</a> on North Shore Drive. South Haven is carved into two sections by the Black River, and Yelton Manor is on the north side of town, across the river from the downtown. It is far enough away from the crowds downtown and the larger beaches near the mouth of the river to give guests a relaxing setting to unwind.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPq8epm4qm8/V47YWpCgKXI/AAAAAAAAFb4/q1BNjdzMR-w2KXs1JFddptpXpGXgX3YzQCLcB/s1600/Manor%2BHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPq8epm4qm8/V47YWpCgKXI/AAAAAAAAFb4/q1BNjdzMR-w2KXs1JFddptpXpGXgX3YzQCLcB/s640/Manor%2BHouse.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Manor</td></tr></tbody></table>Even though it is on a quiet street removed from the downtown, Yelton Manor is close enough to walk to almost everything South Haven offers. Downtown is about a ten to fifteen minute walk away, and the South Beach lighthouse near downtown is about a twenty minute walk total. Best of all, a public beach access is across the street from Yelton Manor.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div><br />Yelton Manor has two separate buildings on the same lot, the Manor and the Guest House. The Manor has eleven guest rooms and is the main building where breakfast and snacks are served for the guests in both buildings. The Guest House is a more private setting with only six rooms and no food service, except for tempting bowls of chocolate scattered throughout the Guest House's common areas.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M7pL5l1yM5E/V42ZhNbViiI/AAAAAAAAFaI/pMpRMX7qp9YeuytBfMYL4lma_EgOanU_wCLcB/s1600/Guest%2Bhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M7pL5l1yM5E/V42ZhNbViiI/AAAAAAAAFaI/pMpRMX7qp9YeuytBfMYL4lma_EgOanU_wCLcB/s400/Guest%2Bhouse.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of Yelton Manor's many flowers</td></tr></tbody></table>We stayed in the the Guest House in the Biltmore Hotel Suite (all the rooms in the guest house are named after former hotels in South Haven). With its sitting area, large bathroom, small porch (with an obstructed view of Lake Michigan), the suite was maybe a little bigger than we needed since we spent most of our time outside. But it was beautiful and quiet (one warning for couples who may not have been together for too long and are interested in the Biltmore Hotel Suite: the bathroom door is clear glass with more windows around it, so there is not much privacy, so that might lead to awkward moments. I'll leave the warning at that to avoid TMI).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-JHfaacyGg/V42Z0s2OytI/AAAAAAAAFaM/V7-V0Kfh-cg1SLYQS3w8i1qPTYm_6JGWACLcB/s1600/Bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-JHfaacyGg/V42Z0s2OytI/AAAAAAAAFaM/V7-V0Kfh-cg1SLYQS3w8i1qPTYm_6JGWACLcB/s400/Bunny.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of several rabbit sightings at Yelton Manor</td></tr></tbody></table>Yelton Manor not only has elegant rooms, but it also is surrounded by lush gardens full of flowers . . . and rabbits. We saw several rabbits in the gardens and the patio where we ate breakfast both mornings.<br /><br />Yelton Manor's&nbsp;<a href="http://www.yeltonmanor.com/food/breakfast/">breakfasts</a>&nbsp;were superb, with nearly everything locally sourced or locally made. I loved the hard-boiled eggs from a local hen and homemade peanut butter and jams.&nbsp;They also serve delicious brownies throughout the day and freshly popped popcorn, and they serve "<a href="http://www.yeltonmanor.com/food/snacks/">beach break snacks</a>" from 3 to 6 p.m. daily, including an excellent homemade hummus and pickled foods like pickled jalapenos.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGrEBrCPuDY/V42Z6cbGXII/AAAAAAAAFaQ/jAfWmdHcznUhk7d0H1ah6uFTeCk_-ykuQCLcB/s1600/Yellow%2BFlowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGrEBrCPuDY/V42Z6cbGXII/AAAAAAAAFaQ/jAfWmdHcznUhk7d0H1ah6uFTeCk_-ykuQCLcB/s640/Yellow%2BFlowers.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />Yelton Manor does not allow children or pets as guests, but I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing getaway sans kids.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The Food</span><br /><br />After arriving at Yelton Manor, settling in, and snacking on their breach break snacks, we headed to <a href="http://www.tastesouthhaven.com/">Taste</a>&nbsp;in downtown South Haven for dinner. Taste specializes in small plates and martinis. We each had a drink at the bar, Allison ordered a ginger lemongrass martini, which she enjoyed. Not being a martini fan, I ordered a bourbon to sip on while waiting for our table.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-biWzBq1A7FA/V47Yno3oKiI/AAAAAAAAFb8/PkPkHJTLyJUsjLcaPrxonncVrZdnSVQawCLcB/s1600/Taste%2Bdrinks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-biWzBq1A7FA/V47Yno3oKiI/AAAAAAAAFb8/PkPkHJTLyJUsjLcaPrxonncVrZdnSVQawCLcB/s640/Taste%2Bdrinks.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinks from Taste</td></tr></tbody></table>We were seated at a comfortable booth and ordered cilantro tuna sushi, the chef's choice mac-n-cheese, tilapia tacos, crispy artichokes, and filet bites. Everything was good, but I especially enjoyed the crispy artichokes and the filet bites (garlic and peppercorn crusted beef tenderloin with a bourbon glaze). The filet bites were a perfect medium rare and the subtle glaze and seasoning did not overpower the beef's natural flavor.<br /><br />For lunch on Saturday, we tried the <a href="http://www.phoenixstreetcafe.com/">Phoenix Street Cafe</a>. If I had not already eaten two hard-boiled eggs for breakfast, I would have tried something from the breakfast menu. Instead, I ordered a salmon BLT and was happy I did. The sandwich was amazing, especially the thick-cut hickory bacon. Allison ordered an omelet special that included phenomenal spicy, roasted tomatoes.<br /><br />On Saturday night, we felt like Mexican food, so we tried <a href="http://www.sucasa-restaurante.com/">Su Casa</a>. Even though it was crowded, we only waited about twenty minutes for a table, but we would have had an hour wait if we wanted to sit outside. Su Casa offers typical dishes for a Mexican restaurant. I had a carne asada burrito and Allison had chiles rellenos. Both dishes were quite good, and the burrito was very filling.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dro6rqckzdU/V42aVIw5m4I/AAAAAAAAFag/ppTLtvRxCoUH622hEX2u0vDFDZsYYehnQCLcB/s1600/Wine%2BBar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dro6rqckzdU/V42aVIw5m4I/AAAAAAAAFag/ppTLtvRxCoUH622hEX2u0vDFDZsYYehnQCLcB/s400/Wine%2BBar.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bar at Channel Wine Bar</td></tr></tbody></table>After dinner at Su Casa, we stopped at the <a href="http://www.channelwinebar.com/">Channel Wine Bar</a>. We had tried to stop in the night before, but they close at 10 p.m. The Channel Wine Bar is a very laid-back and peaceful place to sip wine and have a conversation. The main room, the lounge, has an actual bar, a few tables, and a couple of couches. A second room, the gallery, has more tables and a piano. Finally, there is the <a href="http://www.tipsybrushstudio.com/">Tipsy Brush Studio</a>, where patrons can take a painting class and drink wine.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jnbfc8Mzmdg/V42bI_IERJI/AAAAAAAAFbA/isBSzIKrkH49PfIj-0Ec8HDcDVi-8bYhACLcB/s1600/Art%2Broom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jnbfc8Mzmdg/V42bI_IERJI/AAAAAAAAFbA/isBSzIKrkH49PfIj-0Ec8HDcDVi-8bYhACLcB/s640/Art%2Broom.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tipsy Brush Studio</td></tr></tbody></table>We chose to sit on one of the couches in the lounge. Allison ordered a flight of white wines while I ordered a flight of reds. The wine bar also offers a limited menu of food pairings that sounded good, but we were full from dinner. We would have ordered more wine, but we realized that the 9:15 sunset was approaching, so we somehow found the resolve to leave the comfortable couch and comforting wine behind.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ8owXjEMR0/V42acVcTsqI/AAAAAAAAFak/4SJ9z3oJCXEoQ1ciz7on-_ASqvPUI7xfwCLcB/s1600/Flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ8owXjEMR0/V42acVcTsqI/AAAAAAAAFak/4SJ9z3oJCXEoQ1ciz7on-_ASqvPUI7xfwCLcB/s400/Flight.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine flights from Channel Wine Bar</td></tr></tbody></table>Visitors cannot visit South Haven without seeing signs for <a href="http://shermanicecream.com/about/">Sherman's Ice Cream</a>, South Haven's local favorite. We wanted to visit their main location and dairy bar, but it is not in the downtown. Instead, we grabbed a couple of cones of Sherman's ice cream from <a href="http://www.north-sidememories.com/About-Us.html">North Side Memories</a>, a small convenience store and deli around the corner from Yelton Manor. I had the mint chocolate chip, and Allison had the cookie dough. It was immediately obvious why this excellent ice cream remains a local favorite. I definitely will have more Sherman's the next time I'm on the west side of the state.<br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The Town</span></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMoin11sPno/V42ajm3NqbI/AAAAAAAAFas/sl4JRxsJACMJXpzvIKA5VGCEKJbaBM0pgCLcB/s1600/Drawbridge%2Bflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMoin11sPno/V42ajm3NqbI/AAAAAAAAFas/sl4JRxsJACMJXpzvIKA5VGCEKJbaBM0pgCLcB/s400/Drawbridge%2Bflowers.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers along the drawbridge</td></tr></tbody></table>South Haven's downtown offers a lot more than restaurants. The Black River has a river walk on each side of the river leading to Lake Michigan where pedestrians can watch boats float by. There are a lot of shopping options for South Haven souvenirs, but the city also has an <a href="http://www.southhavenarts.org/">art center</a> and a <a href="http://www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org/">maritime museum</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pvKYRlbmRcQ/V42bq5b3IRI/AAAAAAAAFbM/1TIRzhBvigwwggJhqxaqQvKxeONhcTYGQCLcB/s1600/Jeff%2Blighthouse%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pvKYRlbmRcQ/V42bq5b3IRI/AAAAAAAAFbM/1TIRzhBvigwwggJhqxaqQvKxeONhcTYGQCLcB/s400/Jeff%2Blighthouse%2B2.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing on the north pier overlooking the Black River and south pier</td></tr></tbody></table>After lunch on Saturday, we stumbled upon the <a href="http://www.southhavenfarmmarket.com/">South Haven Farmers Market</a>. I was impressed by this small farmer's market. It had a lot of tantalizing food, including produce, pies, and cheese, but we did not have our own fridge at the B&amp;B, and did not want anything to spoil in the car the next day, so we walked away empty handed.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11utFPqloS8/V42aq3aplQI/AAAAAAAAFaw/T4TY6W6H6N8GiLUqBoTuvL-yS19elsbEACLcB/s1600/Cheese%2Bguy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11utFPqloS8/V42aq3aplQI/AAAAAAAAFaw/T4TY6W6H6N8GiLUqBoTuvL-yS19elsbEACLcB/s400/Cheese%2Bguy.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wanted all of the cheese at the farmers market.</td></tr></tbody></table>We definitely did not see everything that South Haven has to offer. We did not rent bikes or kayaks or take a sunset cruise. I love bookstores, yet I somehow missed out on an <a href="http://www.blackriverbooks.net/">independent bookstore</a> in town. They also have a <a href="http://michigantheatre.mooretheatres.com/">small theater</a> that shows first-run movies. I'm sure there were other gems that we missed, but that only inspires us to visit again.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tYV_xcMjGjA/V42avj2QkzI/AAAAAAAAFa0/iaYFqCfpry43EsubCPcR-DhZ23iTRGrcgCLcB/s1600/Farmers%2BMarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tYV_xcMjGjA/V42avj2QkzI/AAAAAAAAFa0/iaYFqCfpry43EsubCPcR-DhZ23iTRGrcgCLcB/s400/Farmers%2BMarket.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The farmers market</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">The Beaches</span></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydQRPt1ny-I/V42bWOrtt0I/AAAAAAAAFbE/k-YXdT74YvAtcHaOkjS9q66vx8BGUePTwCLcB/s1600/Dunes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydQRPt1ny-I/V42bWOrtt0I/AAAAAAAAFbE/k-YXdT74YvAtcHaOkjS9q66vx8BGUePTwCLcB/s400/Dunes.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach becomes narrow along the private lots.</td></tr></tbody></table>The public beaches nearest to Yelton Manor on the north side of the Black River are pretty narrow, but there is enough room to lie down and read a book, or to lay out your sandals and shirt while going for a swim.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4Jry9URtds/V42cDBiPnEI/AAAAAAAAFbk/xKmBkl8ARmERNKFMpNOv6XtuGh6ZGPXBwCLcB/s1600/Waves%2Bbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4Jry9URtds/V42cDBiPnEI/AAAAAAAAFbk/xKmBkl8ARmERNKFMpNOv6XtuGh6ZGPXBwCLcB/s400/Waves%2Bbeach.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The waves were a little rough on the first night.</td></tr></tbody></table>The shore is dotted with private beaches, but the general public can walk the shore up to the high-water mark without trespassing on private property. We went on a couple of long walks north along the shore with the cool water lapping our every step. Even though it was a July weekend, the private beaches north of Yelton Manor were not overly populated, and most of the private beaches were empty.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_0zTEkjLfU/V42cB1cdp1I/AAAAAAAAFbY/TqWd4zVSSl0g65B6dZYcBMKhDKrHwYUOQCLcB/s1600/Flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_0zTEkjLfU/V42cB1cdp1I/AAAAAAAAFbY/TqWd4zVSSl0g65B6dZYcBMKhDKrHwYUOQCLcB/s400/Flag.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skies were clear and the waters were calm on Saturday.</td></tr></tbody></table>Larger public beaches sit on each side of the Black River, with North Beach on the north side and South Beach to the south. These beaches are more crowded during the day, but they offer the advantage of being closer to food and restrooms. They also have great views of South Haven's lighthouse and the boats traveling through the channel that leads from the Black River into Lake Michigan.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n15_KRqDeZk/V42cBmOp7GI/AAAAAAAAFbU/gnx7WeJRggM7qmDUbrpHWbfMnoGzv1cswCLcB/s1600/Lighthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n15_KRqDeZk/V42cBmOp7GI/AAAAAAAAFbU/gnx7WeJRggM7qmDUbrpHWbfMnoGzv1cswCLcB/s400/Lighthouse.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lighthouse under purple skies</td></tr></tbody></table>The South Haven sunsets are breathtaking. On Friday night, the overcast skies did not obscure the sunset. Instead, the recently set sun painted the clouds with a vibrant array of purples, pinks, and oranges. Saturday night's skies were clearer. We rushed down the hill on Water Street after finishing our flights at the wine bar. We did not make it all the way to the beach to see the sunset, but we did watch it set along the river walk nearby. This time the clouds turned a magnificent orange as the sun set.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKEAZeOJKCI/V42cC5FBfNI/AAAAAAAAFbg/TnJIwaMMcSErI5MTmN5KpOrdt_RL253qACLcB/s1600/Sunset%2Bnight%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKEAZeOJKCI/V42cC5FBfNI/AAAAAAAAFbg/TnJIwaMMcSErI5MTmN5KpOrdt_RL253qACLcB/s400/Sunset%2Bnight%2B2.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across the Black River towards Lake Michigan and North Beach</td></tr></tbody></table>On Sunday morning, we had one more delicious breakfast at Yelton Manor, and <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2016/07/running-kal-haven-trail.html">I took a long run</a> along the <a href="http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=353&amp;type=SPTR">Kal-Haven Trail</a>, a 34-mile trail between South Haven and Kalamazoo,&nbsp;before taking one more dip into Lake Michigan. I wish I had more time to explore South Haven and the surrounding area. I look forward to standing on South Haven's shores again, absorbing fresh air and brilliant sky as the sun sinks slowly into Lake Michigan.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RP6E5qgnCic/V42cB6FqF3I/AAAAAAAAFbc/us6xXGxtxgwYIQgcdTRZz1gnUHrjy9ZugCLcB/s1600/Sunset%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RP6E5qgnCic/V42cB6FqF3I/AAAAAAAAFbc/us6xXGxtxgwYIQgcdTRZz1gnUHrjy9ZugCLcB/s400/Sunset%2B1.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another South Haven sunset</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-39080242288490055892016-07-11T07:00:00.000-04:002016-07-11T07:00:05.285-04:00An Afternoon in Lake Orion<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QhlbHRJk-I/V4LvnvYsvMI/AAAAAAAAFYA/xXhStO_BfSkKHuGj8gxCRQJBkpaBOZh4gCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160709_145758_084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QhlbHRJk-I/V4LvnvYsvMI/AAAAAAAAFYA/xXhStO_BfSkKHuGj8gxCRQJBkpaBOZh4gCLcB/s400/IMG_20160709_145758_084.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Lake Orion</td></tr></tbody></table>Michigan has so many great towns to visit for a weekend, a day trip, or even an afternoon. In Metro Detroit, there are a lot of walkable downtowns with restaurants and shopping, but not many of them are within a short walk to a lake.<br /><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRmXcqH8fj4/V4LxYiUS8DI/AAAAAAAAFYY/inVg3q1Z1pUGIjdr44DzBaQ7ZjHLPkxrQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160709_140310_587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRmXcqH8fj4/V4LxYiUS8DI/AAAAAAAAFYY/inVg3q1Z1pUGIjdr44DzBaQ7ZjHLPkxrQCLcB/s400/IMG_20160709_140310_587.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dragon guarding the art center</td></tr></tbody></table>Lake Orion in northeast Oakland County feels like a small resort town that you might find Up North, but it is only 45 minutes north of Detroit. The town actually served as a vacation destination for people from Detroit and beyond in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and&nbsp;<a href="http://michiganhistory.leadr.msu.edu/amusement-park-in-lake-orion/">it even had an amusement park</a>. The lake and <a href="http://www.lakeorion.org/index.php/parks/138-green-s-park">a public park</a> (a park pass is required during the summer) with a swimming beach are only a few blocks from the downtown.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fyCjwlNL7Ow/V4LwJugbyEI/AAAAAAAAFYI/CWb6O6nKLp4HyZW1_GjIZsSE_Er5USWawCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160709_140322_635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fyCjwlNL7Ow/V4LwJugbyEI/AAAAAAAAFYI/CWb6O6nKLp4HyZW1_GjIZsSE_Er5USWawCLcB/s400/IMG_20160709_140322_635.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public art near Paint Creek</td></tr></tbody></table>My family and I visited Lake Orion on a Saturday afternoon and parked in a free public lot between Broadway and Anderson streets. There is also ample and free street parking throughout the downtown, but the street spots have a two-hour limit, unlike the 23-hour limit of the public lot.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div><br />We noticed a sign for the <a href="http://www.orionartcenter.org/home/">Orion Art Center</a>&nbsp;and followed a path to a small house that has been converted into an art studio. On the way to the art center, we passed the <a href="http://www.pitchwithus.com/lake_orion/">Lake Orion Horseshoe Club</a>&nbsp;with its 15 horseshoe courts.&nbsp;</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXfu9rjJoEU/V4LwUxPPLfI/AAAAAAAAFYM/_fvQ-2tHTQEdl2r_S6epzY23ywhJ8b41ACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160709_140212_922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXfu9rjJoEU/V4LwUxPPLfI/AAAAAAAAFYM/_fvQ-2tHTQEdl2r_S6epzY23ywhJ8b41ACLcB/s400/IMG_20160709_140212_922.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseshoe courts at the Lake Orion Horseshoe Club</td></tr></tbody></table>We noticed a small wooden bridge past the art center and crossed to find a small walking path along Paint Creek. Ducks, including several ducklings, were frolicking in the water, and our young daughters loved watching them dart back and forth in the rippling current.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex4ThXP2uRg/V4LzvTTUHEI/AAAAAAAAFY4/mUrJkisIUFUYynCa82qIAYPpZFnVJRt2wCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160709_140809600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex4ThXP2uRg/V4LzvTTUHEI/AAAAAAAAFY4/mUrJkisIUFUYynCa82qIAYPpZFnVJRt2wCLcB/s400/IMG_20160709_140809600.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paint Creek ducks</td></tr></tbody></table>After watching the ducks play, we entered the art center. The small art center was featuring works of art using recycled materials. Several of the wooden tables and furniture featured were really well done. The art center also conducts art classes and kids summer camps. Near the art center along Paint Creek is the Children's Park, where kids can burn their energy while their parents relax.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-40nsHzBu5oU/V4LxFaCm9hI/AAAAAAAAFYU/y1Xy8m9iDS0s2QuyPxy2X5B71ycaUjUrACLcB/s1600/Dragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="349" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-40nsHzBu5oU/V4LxFaCm9hI/AAAAAAAAFYU/y1Xy8m9iDS0s2QuyPxy2X5B71ycaUjUrACLcB/s400/Dragon.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon mural near the art center</td></tr></tbody></table>We let our girls burn some of their energy for a few minutes before we wandered downtown. Downtown Lake Orion is smaller than other Oakland County downtowns like Birmingham, Royal Oak, and Rochester, but it does a lot with the few blocks of storefronts it has.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml0aFLAu-ug/V4LyS0_nbfI/AAAAAAAAFYo/qbCNV2KJm7EalP418MSXpddIkhiQ64XGgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160709_142204_158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml0aFLAu-ug/V4LyS0_nbfI/AAAAAAAAFYo/qbCNV2KJm7EalP418MSXpddIkhiQ64XGgCLcB/s400/IMG_20160709_142204_158.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little library in the Children's Park</td></tr></tbody></table>We bought a couple of books for our girls at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.greenhippogifts.com/">Green Hippo Gifts</a>,&nbsp;a fun gift shop that carries children's books and toys, as well as Michigan-made crafts and gifts for adults.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Prime-Time-Comics-Cards-Inc-105485369742/">Prime Time Comics &amp; Cards</a> reminds me of the comic book and collectible stores that were more common when I was a kid. They have a large assortment of comic books, sports collectibles, and games. Plus, my daughters loved all of their Star Wars toys and collectibles.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SsdRj3D7NLA/V4L0KbxtkEI/AAAAAAAAFY8/V_D9qVy_RDo0z3maXlmc5b77qWUymKA2wCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160709_145836_367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SsdRj3D7NLA/V4L0KbxtkEI/AAAAAAAAFY8/V_D9qVy_RDo0z3maXlmc5b77qWUymKA2wCLcB/s400/IMG_20160709_145836_367.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Bean to Go Coffee</td></tr></tbody></table>There are several shops that sell home decor items, like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Angel-The-Witch-The-Old-Crow-276036892636/">The Angel, the Witch, The Old Crow</a>, which also has a secret garden in the alley between their business and a yoga studio next door.<br /><br />Lake Orion is home to the newest of four <a href="http://www.hansons-running.com/">Hanson's Running</a> shops in the Detroit area. The Hanson's stores are staffed by people who run and who can help both novice and experienced runners find the right shoes and gear for their needs. They also host group runs from each of their four stores.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSExtr1o4k4/V4L0zLnQOFI/AAAAAAAAFZE/L0iexrvDrlkOT5_cxugLIVavBylFiwoIwCLcB/s1600/Hansons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSExtr1o4k4/V4L0zLnQOFI/AAAAAAAAFZE/L0iexrvDrlkOT5_cxugLIVavBylFiwoIwCLcB/s400/Hansons.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanson's</td></tr></tbody></table>We tried <a href="http://www.abeantogo.com/">A Bean to Go Coffee</a>, where they roast their own delicious coffee. The interior of the coffee shop is spacious, with plenty of room to relax, but we sat out front in a public sitting area with Michigan-shaped Adirondack chairs.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BcVWuOouuyM/V4L1fDUPCZI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/VHzjTlHPKxAX_OoPF8v-OaOzLhCOu-z-wCLcB/s1600/Sagebrush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BcVWuOouuyM/V4L1fDUPCZI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/VHzjTlHPKxAX_OoPF8v-OaOzLhCOu-z-wCLcB/s400/Sagebrush.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sagebrush Cantina</td></tr></tbody></table>Lake Orion has several restaurants, including a <a href="http://www.51northbrewing.com/">brewery</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.lockhartsbbq.com/">Lockhart's BBQ</a> (which I recommend based on <a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2014/08/a-real-dream-cruise-on-woodward-avenue.html">my visit to their Royal Oak location</a>), but we only had time for one meal.&nbsp;We were craving Mexican food and decided on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mysagebrushcantina.com/">Sagebrush Cantina</a>. The staff at Hanson's warned us that Sagebrush often has a long wait, so we stopped in probably a little too early and only had to wait five minutes, despite being told that it would be a twenty-minute wait. My carne asada burrito dinner was awesome, and my older daughter loved her kids chicken nachos.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghmKiQsyMqI/V4L1042kHsI/AAAAAAAAFZY/REjuYHrjNw4YGt5HDMPGUaIzZEOPI4sxgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160709_162334674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghmKiQsyMqI/V4L1042kHsI/AAAAAAAAFZY/REjuYHrjNw4YGt5HDMPGUaIzZEOPI4sxgCLcB/s400/IMG_20160709_162334674.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burrito dinner from Sagebrush Cantina</td></tr></tbody></table>After dinner, we drove through some of the neighborhoods by the lake with our windows down, feeling the cool and refreshing lake breeze that is so common throughout Michigan. As I drove out of town, I thought about how friendly everyone was in every shop we visited and how laid back everything seemed, and I realized that I will have to visit again.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IvmbeB3YnAE/V4L2b8TErTI/AAAAAAAAFZk/TSjLgZlkxRgoD0YfOUP2ACh0lNoa2WAGACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160709_170619863_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IvmbeB3YnAE/V4L2b8TErTI/AAAAAAAAFZk/TSjLgZlkxRgoD0YfOUP2ACh0lNoa2WAGACLcB/s400/IMG_20160709_170619863_HDR.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling the cool breeze off the lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-215839918939343952016-06-27T06:13:00.000-04:002016-06-27T06:13:22.892-04:00What's Been on My Plate During the First Half of 2016<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFvF0_tCiN4/V3BsrRoIOQI/AAAAAAAAFWg/4VsFL3ehkG4zqe-mkXh7NuQl5kH3gtmqgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160610_182540_275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFvF0_tCiN4/V3BsrRoIOQI/AAAAAAAAFWg/4VsFL3ehkG4zqe-mkXh7NuQl5kH3gtmqgCLcB/s400/IMG_20160610_182540_275.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osso Buco from Roadside B&amp;G</td></tr></tbody></table>We're almost at the halfway mark of 2016, and I've had the pleasure of eating at several excellent Michigan restaurants this year. Here are some of my favorites from this year.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Roadside B&amp;G</span></b><br /><br />I have eaten at <a href="http://www.roadsidebandg.com/">Roadside B&amp;G</a> in Bloomfield Township several times, and I always leave satisfied. Their balsamic glazed brussels sprouts with dried cranberries is a great appetizer. As for main courses, my favorites are the roasted vegetarian enchilada (I get it with short rib added) and the baby back ribs. On my most recent trip, I tried an osso buco with polenta special that was perfection. The restaurant also makes a very good mac &amp; cheese (and the kids menu version, with its large portion, might be the best bargain on the menu).<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Chartreuse</span></b><br /><br /><a href="http://chartreusekc.com/">Chartreuse</a> makes a lot of "best of" lists for Detroit, and the <i>Detroit Free Press</i>&nbsp;named it the restaurant of the year for 2016. I have only visited Chartreuse once, but one visit convinced me that it deserves the accolades it receives. The restaurant is next door to the Detroit Institute of Arts, so my wife, Allison, and I decided to try Chartreuse after attending the Freep Film Festival at&nbsp;the DIA.<br /><br />It was a snowy April day, and Chartreuse's bright chartreuse-colored interior felt warm and inviting. We had a short wait for a table, so we ordered a couple of drinks at the bar. I tried the delicious "gon now git," a combination of rye, averna, and lemon. Allison had the Last Word (Then again, she always does), a tasty mixture of gin, chartreuse green, lime, and maraschino. For dinner, I tried the spare ribs, which were phenomenal. Allison had the vegetable bulgogi--a strange mix that included pineapple, poached egg,&nbsp;green curry,&nbsp;and excellent kimchi, but all the flavors worked well together.<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Fork n' Pint</span></b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4J85GMfpNI/V3Bt5GqAgzI/AAAAAAAAFXI/_tBrD9TdpMsfHLUJ59ne-CL9OVr7CS7bwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160624_183914_971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4J85GMfpNI/V3Bt5GqAgzI/AAAAAAAAFXI/_tBrD9TdpMsfHLUJ59ne-CL9OVr7CS7bwCLcB/s400/IMG_20160624_183914_971.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asian beef tacos from Fork n' Pint</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.lifelongmichigander.com/2016/04/fork-n-pint-dining-on-shores-of-cass.html">I reviewed Fork n' Pint after my first time eating there</a>. I have been back to this Waterford restaurant a few more times because it has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in Metro Detroit. I love their fries. Their pizzas and burgers are very good. The walleye n' chips (served with potato chips, not fries) are wonderful, and so are their vegetarian options, like the coconut curry tofu. And they have fantastic tacos, as I recently discovered when I tried their Asian beef tacos. With its great menu, large drink menu, and relaxing atmosphere overlooking Cass Lake, I am always happy to visit <a href="http://www.forknpint.com/">Fork n' Pint</a>.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">Buffy's Mexi-casian Grill</span></b><br /><br />I love a good food truck, and I really love a good burrito, so I was happy to discover <a href="http://buffysmexicasiangrill.com/">Buffy's Mexi-casian Grill</a> in May. Buffy's burrito is a 12-inch flour tortilla stuffed with shredded beef or chicken, beans, rice, pico de gallo, cheese, lettuce, and chipotle sauce. The chicken burrito I had was everything a burrito should be. Buffy's Mexi-casian Grill serves the Detroit area, and I will be on the lookout for it.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Griffin Claw Brewing Company</span></b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A6DhMTGsVnY/V3BtbePnjpI/AAAAAAAAFW0/BKl9JeqaXlQGJzmxQdKsAZB51NKQWS1_QCLcB/s1600/Griffin%2BClaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A6DhMTGsVnY/V3BtbePnjpI/AAAAAAAAFW0/BKl9JeqaXlQGJzmxQdKsAZB51NKQWS1_QCLcB/s640/Griffin%2BClaw.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beer from Griffin Claw in Birmingham</td></tr></tbody></table>Birmingham's <a href="http://www.griffinclawbrewingcompany.com/">Griffin Claw Brewing Company</a> is not new to me in 2016, but I don't believe I've ever mentioned them on this blog before. Griffin Claw brews tremendous beers and serves quality burgers and fries. Fried pickles are one of my favorite appetizers, and Griffin Claw's pickle fries definitely get the job done. My two favorite burgers are the Morning Glory (with bacon and egg on a pretzel bun) and the spicy Nightmare on Eton Street. Griffin Claw allows diners to substitute a delicious black bean patty, so vegetarians do not have to feel left out. Besides their food and beer, I also like that Griffin Claw feels like a neighborhood brewery because it is a little bit away from the crowds of downtown Birmingham.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Trifles</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b></b> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrxSnjj__2A/V3BtpfOP5eI/AAAAAAAAFXA/_HDfayuNhTEQYNsDXNHYHvGbX5VLhmUXgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160605_125446_383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrxSnjj__2A/V3BtpfOP5eI/AAAAAAAAFXA/_HDfayuNhTEQYNsDXNHYHvGbX5VLhmUXgCLcB/s640/IMG_20160605_125446_383.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Pasties from Trifles</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://triflescakes.com/Menus.htm">Trifles</a> is a bakery in West Bloomfield that makes wedding cakes and other baked treats, but what drew me in was the sign in their window that says "Pasties." I know there are a few places in Metro Detroit that serve the U.P.'s favorite dish, but I had not seen Trifles on any of those lists. The small shop clearly focuses on cupcakes, chocolates, cakes, and other sweets, but they do carry a small collection of premade pasties that you can heat up in the oven at home. They only had chicken pasties when I visited, so I bought a couple for my family for lunch. Overall, they are very good (much better than any of the frozen store-bought pasties I've tried), and I will probably pick some up again.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cork and Rye</span></b><br /><a href="http://www.corkandrye.com/home.html"><br /></a><a href="http://www.corkandrye.com/home.html">Cork and Rye</a> in Farmington Hills is a huge liquor store that also has a great deli. The restaurant opened earlier this year in the building that used to house Vineyards. Cork and Rye has traditional deli sandwiches, but it also has Middle Eastern sandwiches that are delicious at a decent price. Beware of the shawarma if you do not like spicy food, because Cork and Rye's shawarma has a little bit of spice (I enjoy it, though).<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Imperial Bar</span></b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FObacf4lXsk/V3BuJ7y3SuI/AAAAAAAAFXU/Opl38tia_ugJo-BEpDs2ykFFz4uqOcqegCLcB/s1600/1936992_10209775380567533_6446852120957042092_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FObacf4lXsk/V3BuJ7y3SuI/AAAAAAAAFXU/Opl38tia_ugJo-BEpDs2ykFFz4uqOcqegCLcB/s400/1936992_10209775380567533_6446852120957042092_n.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tacos and the Elote Epecial from Imperial Bar</td></tr></tbody></table>Ferndale's <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/imperial-ferndale">Imperial Bar</a> is both a bar and a taco joint. The bar is nice, but I went for the tacos on a friend's recommendation. The tacos are a la carte, so I ordered a few as well as the Elote Especial (grilled sweet corn with poblano lime cream, cotija cheese, and chilis). Everything was excellent, and I highly recommend Imperial Bar to anyone looking for good tacos.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Looking Forward to the Last Half of 2016</span></b><br /><br />This list is very Oakland County-centric since I have not had the opportunity to travel around the state as much as I'd like. Luckily, I will be visiting the U.P. and South Haven soon, and I hope to take a couple of day trips away so I find more excellent Michigan restaurants to write about.Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-36395532161545637002016-06-20T06:38:00.000-04:002017-04-25T16:25:01.891-04:00Five Michigan Books for Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Frhk7KQa20/V2fHEq4o_2I/AAAAAAAAFWE/ztAt08PzyP0YBgiQEmDz8OF-NuEqrtgLwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20150827_181918667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Frhk7KQa20/V2fHEq4o_2I/AAAAAAAAFWE/ztAt08PzyP0YBgiQEmDz8OF-NuEqrtgLwCLcB/s400/IMG_20150827_181918667.jpg" width="507" /></a></div><br />Summer is here. Even the upper reaches of the U.P. are seeing temperatures in the 70s and 80s.<br /><br />It's time to take advantage of the glorious outdoors that Michigan blesses us with. Whether you are packing up beach towels and umbrellas or camping and fishing gear, don't forget a book.<br /><br />Michigan has produced amazing writers, and it is the setting for many fantastic works of literature. The following books are set in Michigan and written by people who called Michigan home. They are perfect companions for you while you sip morning coffee on a cold morning overlooking a still lake, unwind during quiet evenings in the woods, or relax on a hot, sandy beach.<br /><br /><b><i><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781594485763">South of Superior</a></i></b><br /><br />Ellen Airgood's debut novel tells the story of Madeline Stone, a woman who leaves a safe, yet unsatisfactory, life in Chicago for McAllaster, a small Upper Peninsula town on the shores of Lake Superior. Madeline struggles to adjust to life in the small town and its inhabitants. As an outsider in a new locale, her good intentions often backfire, but she ultimately adapts and learns to love the simple things in life. Airgood's writing captures the feel of the Grand Marais area, where she lives. Her description of the road leading to Lake Superior and Madeline's first view of the lake captured how I felt as I drove over that last hill on M-77 leading to Grand Marais.<br /><br /><b><i><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780375709104">The Feast of Love</a></i></b><br /><br />Charles Baxter spent many years of his life in Southeast Michigan. He taught at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan, though he now lives in his home state of Minnesota, where he teaches at the University of Minnesota. Several of his works are set in Michigan, including <i>The Feast of Love</i>. This novel takes place in Ann Arbor and follows several characters' interconnected tales of love. Baxter's writing superbly examines love in all of its forms. Love is not simple, and neither is <i>The Feast of Love</i>. It is a story full of anguish, yearning, ecstasy, and sweetness.<br /><br /><b><i><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780802142061">True North</a></i></b><br /><br />Confession: I never read a single book by Jim Harrison until this past month. I was turned off by the film <i>Legends of the Fall</i>, and Brad Pitt's Hollywood pretty boy looks on the film's movie posters. The film, which I have not seen, is based on a Jim Harrison story.<br /><br />When Jim Harrison died in March, I read so many beautiful tributes to his poetry and literature that I decided to cast aside my ridiculous prejudice and read one of his works. I chose <i>True North</i>. I read it quickly, thoroughly, and passionately. The novel follows David Burkett, a descendant of Upper Peninsula logging barons, from his teenage years in the 1960s to the 1980s. David struggles to understand his place in the world in light of his family's destruction of the U.P.'s forests and his own father's wicked crimes. Harrison's writing exposes the beauty of the U.P. and the pain and emptiness in David's heart.<br /><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780802143310"><br /></a><b><i><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780802143310">Returning to Earth</a></i></b><br /><br />After finishing <i>True North</i>, I wanted more Jim Harrison, so I immediately purchased <i>True North</i>'s sequel, <i>Returning to Earth</i>. <i>Returning to Earth</i> is set several years after <i>True North,</i> and it follows the lives of David Burkett's family members. Several family members, including David, take turns as narrator of the novel, and it is interesting to see their different perspectives on their family, especially when his half-Chippewa brother-in-law Donald or his sister Cynthia narrates.<br /><br />Like <i>True North</i>, much of the action in the novel occurs in the woods of the U.P. as the family tries to understand and cope with the death of one of their own. It is clear through Harrison's writing that he loved the woods and lakes of the Upper Peninsula, and it is the land perhaps more than anything that ties the family together.<br /><a href="http://msupress.org/books/book/?id=50-1D0-3479#.V2dIBPkrJhE"><br /></a><b><i><a href="http://msupress.org/books/book/?id=50-1D0-3479#.V2dIBPkrJhE">Here: Women Writing on Michigan's Upper Peninsula</a></i></b><br /><br /><i>Here</i> is a collection of poems and short stories by women about the Upper Peninsula. This collection begins with the poem <i>Here in My Native Inland Sea</i> by Bame-wa-wa-ge-zhik-aquay (a.k.a. Jane Johnston Schoolcraft), and each subsequent story and poem weaves together a larger tapestry that brings the U.P. to life.&nbsp;In addition to&nbsp;<i>Here in My Native Inland Sea,</i>&nbsp;my favorite stories and poems in the anthology are <i>North Country </i>by Roxane Gay, <i>Imprinting</i>&nbsp;by Janeen Russell, <i>Censors</i>&nbsp;by Stellanova Osborn, <i>Incomer</i>&nbsp;by Gloria Whelan, and <i>Mad Dog Queen</i>&nbsp;by Sharon Dilworth.Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-63572505037444144942016-05-31T09:28:00.000-04:002016-05-31T10:58:28.114-04:00Memorial Day Parade in Keego Harbor<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tll3hY0cF6E/V0ymKBRmtVI/AAAAAAAAFTI/Qbd8VroNuC8nw_nWnuWWPB4m8Ea6eODDACLcB/s1600/Keego%2Bsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tll3hY0cF6E/V0ymKBRmtVI/AAAAAAAAFTI/Qbd8VroNuC8nw_nWnuWWPB4m8Ea6eODDACLcB/s400/Keego%2Bsign.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front of the parade on Cass Lake Road</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer. In Michigan, it's time for backyard barbecues, trips Up North, or fishing, swimming, or boating on a local lake. The frost that still chilled our bones only a few weeks (or less) before has given way to blooming flowers and grass and trees whose greenness always seems to overtake the land overnight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Memorial Day itself is a time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and towns throughout Michigan salute them with parades. This Memorial Day, my seven-year-old daughter had the opportunity to march in the Keego Harbor Memorial Day with her dance school.<br /><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWKe_Ll10Us/V0zgjGWTEhI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/fj7z_sVk7OQen8tLabxIJqPmXeBRoXOXQCLcB/s1600/Cop%2Bboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWKe_Ll10Us/V0zgjGWTEhI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/fj7z_sVk7OQen8tLabxIJqPmXeBRoXOXQCLcB/s400/Cop%2Bboat.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keego Harbor Police</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a name='more'></a>The mile-long parade was very much a local affair with marchers that included local firefighters, law enforcement, political candidates, churches, businesses, scout troops, and the West Bloomfield High School band.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nFQbV80W2qM/V0yrLNa-DXI/AAAAAAAAFTc/c8XcQZDl9Ik-ToWre2xS2tCYs0cfskZzwCLcB/s1600/Babar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nFQbV80W2qM/V0yrLNa-DXI/AAAAAAAAFTc/c8XcQZDl9Ik-ToWre2xS2tCYs0cfskZzwCLcB/s400/Babar.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Characters from children's literature, courtesy of the West Bloomfield Public Library</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bl0qboubNPE/V0yrLpaZViI/AAAAAAAAFTs/xWVzL3-PDbgze5iO86sUpJ2lY9KXSnOjACLcB/s1600/Historical%2BSociety.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bl0qboubNPE/V0yrLpaZViI/AAAAAAAAFTs/xWVzL3-PDbgze5iO86sUpJ2lY9KXSnOjACLcB/s400/Historical%2BSociety.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The local historical society.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>It is a great parade for kids. There were a lot of children marching in the parade, but the event also catered to kids who were mere spectators. &nbsp;Kids along the route got to see cool things like a fire truck, a police boat, and the Pistons and Tigers mascots. But the best part for our kids was the candy thrown by the parade participants to the crowds. We collected candy like it was Halloween, but we didn't have to walk door to door to do so.&nbsp;</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qAxHmY_Fjis/V0yrL9fMAiI/AAAAAAAAFTo/ItyrQNJNalIse9JKqhhC0N5uVtl18dIzACLcB/s1600/Paws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qAxHmY_Fjis/V0yrL9fMAiI/AAAAAAAAFTo/ItyrQNJNalIse9JKqhhC0N5uVtl18dIzACLcB/s400/Paws.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paws</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhPCiI7POq8/V0yrL3n9BGI/AAAAAAAAFTw/kWDfFjzkgoEMSEe6-7fogzlHJwHkoL9wACLcB/s1600/Pistons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhPCiI7POq8/V0yrL3n9BGI/AAAAAAAAFTw/kWDfFjzkgoEMSEe6-7fogzlHJwHkoL9wACLcB/s400/Pistons.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooper</td></tr></tbody></table>It wasn't just candy and mascots though; the parade was full of constant reminders of the importance of the day. A few military veterans marched in their uniforms, the high school marching band played patriotic marches, and children and adults wore red, white, and blue and waved American flags.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gc_TcPjnngA/V0ziAgVGf0I/AAAAAAAAFUc/MCykpq_zwVIKstVNAYIEimZ97-oyvF5DgCLcB/s1600/Fire%2BDept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gc_TcPjnngA/V0ziAgVGf0I/AAAAAAAAFUc/MCykpq_zwVIKstVNAYIEimZ97-oyvF5DgCLcB/s640/Fire%2BDept.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firefighters standing at attention</td></tr></tbody></table>Towards the end of the parade, firefighters stood before us holding the Michigan and American flags. The bright sun reflected off the firefighters' axes and polished shoes, and the flags flapped quietly in the light breeze.<br /><br />And I was grateful to experience this peaceful moment on a beautiful Memorial Day.<br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-87654662613890924012016-04-25T09:01:00.000-04:002016-04-25T09:01:16.933-04:00Lending a Helping Hand at Focus: HOPE<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSevJRjiz0c/Vx1sz1Y9XTI/AAAAAAAAFGs/JUhaBlKrXRoPr7OkK64r9zjiQefIiJWQgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160423_112106866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="588" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSevJRjiz0c/Vx1sz1Y9XTI/AAAAAAAAFGs/JUhaBlKrXRoPr7OkK64r9zjiQefIiJWQgCLcB/s400/IMG_20160423_112106866.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteers at Focus: HOPE</td></tr></tbody></table><i>"Recognizing the dignity and beauty of every person, we pledge intelligent and practical action to overcome racism, poverty, and injustice. And to build a metropolitan community where all people may live in freedom, harmony, trust and affection. Black and white, yellow, brown and red from Detroit and its suburbs of every economic status, national origin and religious persuasion we join in this covenant."</i> --Focus: HOPE Mission<br /><br />Since its founding in 1968, <a href="http://www.focushope.edu/">Focus: HOPE</a> has striven to fulfill the above mission. It offers the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, career training programs, and the HOPE Village Initiative (a collection of community-based programs to help children, families, and neighborhoods succeed) to the Detroit area.<br /><br />Focus: HOPE established the Commodity Supplemental Food Program in 1971. The program serves nearly 40,000 seniors and about 5,000 mothers with small children in the Detroit area each month with canned and packaged food. Most of the program's participants pick up their food from one of its four food centers, but Focus: HOPE also delivers food to homebound seniors.<br /><br />On Saturday, I played a minuscule part in fulfilling Focus: HOPE's mission by taking part in a volunteer event through the <a href="https://www.umclubgreaterdetroit.org/">University of Michigan Club of Greater Detroit</a>. We met at the food warehouse on Focus: HOPE's main campus on Oakman Boulevard. The main campus has several buildings covering three city blocks, including the warehouse, training centers, a children's center with childcare programs, and a food center.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZEaLr5ArTg/Vx1tQAIY9rI/AAAAAAAAFGw/tqPpL3WX40wfWUep3uoWmgWzYqUXuTt2ACLcB/s1600/IMAG6034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZEaLr5ArTg/Vx1tQAIY9rI/AAAAAAAAFGw/tqPpL3WX40wfWUep3uoWmgWzYqUXuTt2ACLcB/s400/IMAG6034.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rows and rows of food.</td></tr></tbody></table>When I entered the warehouse, I was astonished by the volume of packaged food that was waiting to be delivered to the food centers and homebound seniors. Rows upon rows of pallets of boxes containing rice, canned goods, juice, and more were a sad reminder of how many people still need help to put a decent meal on their tables.<br /><br />The Focus: HOPE staff was friendly and efficiently showed our group how to pack the boxes of food using an assembly line. A few other volunteers and I were at the end of line and had the job of loading the boxes onto pallets. Even though I literally had the heavy lifting, I figured a couple hours of hard work was only a small act to help others.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5AvDDykcJU/Vx1uLWbibII/AAAAAAAAFHA/VTCGtbz0pwM1dDrUlbuZ2aUk20IxlQCOQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160423_113301112_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="686" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5AvDDykcJU/Vx1uLWbibII/AAAAAAAAFHA/VTCGtbz0pwM1dDrUlbuZ2aUk20IxlQCOQCLcB/s640/IMG_20160423_113301112_HDR.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boxes of much needed food for seniors</td></tr></tbody></table>In the end, we loaded more than 1,400 boxes of food for delivery. Despite providing only a fraction of what is needed to feed those in need in the Detroit area, it felt good to be a small part of the solution to our metro area's problems. We all have our own lives to live and our own problems to deal with, but I hope we all take some time throughout the year to take ownership of our communities' problems by lending a helping hand.Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448982494421236788.post-25161700489914576572016-04-15T06:35:00.000-04:002016-04-15T06:35:00.212-04:00An Afternoon in Plymouth<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vIEWHTKYSJU/Vwrvdpp3JQI/AAAAAAAAFDo/yDvpOKf_GfYWdK9bTnPFj-RvtuqeFRiGA/s1600/IMAG5848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vIEWHTKYSJU/Vwrvdpp3JQI/AAAAAAAAFDo/yDvpOKf_GfYWdK9bTnPFj-RvtuqeFRiGA/s400/IMAG5848.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Plymouth</td></tr></tbody></table>It's easy to stick to the familiar, to not venture outside the vicinity of our hometowns, to eat at the same restaurants, to shop at the same stores. But Michigan is full of smaller towns and cities that are perfect for a day trip or even a quick stop for a bite to eat and stroll around town.<br /><br />Despite growing up in Metro Detroit and spending my college years in Ann Arbor, I had never been to Downtown Plymouth until this past weekend. It's about half an hour from my home, so my family and I decided to make a short visit to walk around the downtown and have dinner.<br /><br />The downtown is surrounded by single-family homes on quiet-looking residential streets. Unfortunately, the weather was cold for April (and hopefully it was the last cold weekend of this year), so we did not walk around the downtown as much as we would have liked.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGAJtgwX8tE/VwrvdXnAvFI/AAAAAAAAFDg/vVZLUZS9QgYibIyrLRihR-3WYgsbJRjGQ/s1600/IMAG5851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGAJtgwX8tE/VwrvdXnAvFI/AAAAAAAAFDg/vVZLUZS9QgYibIyrLRihR-3WYgsbJRjGQ/s400/IMAG5851.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penn Theatre&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>We liked what we saw, though. The <a href="http://www.penntheatre.com/">Penn Theatre</a> opened in 1941, and the one-screen theater stands out near the center of town. Downtown Plymouth also has great collection of shops, and the lack of many national chains lets it avoid the cookie-cutter familiarity of many American downtowns. &nbsp;One Michigan-based shop is <a href="http://www.sunandsnow.com/">Sun &amp; Snow</a>, a sports outfitter with three Michigan locations that sells and rents equipment for both warm and cold weather sports.<br /><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxGRstOXB48/Vwrveu49RyI/AAAAAAAAFDs/wfX00gxBDfMzPrkWGt5wOLLZyaFB_oO3w/s1600/IMAG5855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxGRstOXB48/Vwrveu49RyI/AAAAAAAAFDs/wfX00gxBDfMzPrkWGt5wOLLZyaFB_oO3w/s400/IMAG5855.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun &amp; Snow</td></tr></tbody></table>We had four restaurants that we were interested in trying, and we settled on <a href="http://stellasblackdogtavern.com/">Stella's Black Dog Tavern</a>. Stella's opened in October 2013, but the building first opened as a laundromat and pizza parlor seven decades ago and most recently was Doyle's Tavern before current owner Bob Ostendorf purchased the restaurant. The restaurant is named after Ostendorf's Bernese mountain dog, a certified service dog that <a href="http://www.hometownlife.com/story/life/pets/2016/01/29/meet-pooch-behind-stellas-black-dog-tavern/79517958/">Ostendorf takes on visits to VA hospitals</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vr8AVh3pfr8/VwrvezTi-8I/AAAAAAAAFDw/IdH2lVSHZtA_QbGWn11EoKXmTJR4GtjAA/s1600/IMAG5877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vr8AVh3pfr8/VwrvezTi-8I/AAAAAAAAFDw/IdH2lVSHZtA_QbGWn11EoKXmTJR4GtjAA/s400/IMAG5877.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stella's Black Dog Tavern</td></tr></tbody></table>Despite its history as a tavern, its full bar, and its good craft beer selection, Stella's is a family-friendly restaurant with hearty pub food. The Stella's pretzel sticks with queso dip were outstanding, and my made-to-order burger was delicious. My daughters split a basket of chicken strips. The breading on the chicken strips was superb, and it made me want to come in again to try their fish and chips.<br /><br />Despite their love for their chicken strips and fries, my daughters' favorite part of the meal was when Ostendorf stopped by the table to give them two small plush Bernese mountain dogs to take home (I can also attest to the sturdiness of the toys since my own dog has got hold of them twice already and has not destroyed them . . . and she destroys everything).<br /><br />After dinner, it was time for dessert, and Plymouth has a few options near each other on Main Street: <a href="https://www.kilwins.com/plymouth">Kilwin's</a>, Cupcake Station, and Alpine Chocolat Haus. We skipped Kilwin's, even though we love their ice cream, because our daughters wanted cupcakes. We got two cupcakes--cookies and cream and chocolate salted caramel--at the <a href="http://www.cupcakestation.com/">Cupcake Station</a>&nbsp;to go and thoroughly enjoyed them.<br /><br />We also stopped at <a href="http://alpine-chocolat-haus.com/">Alpine Chocolat Haus</a> because it looked incredibly good from the street. Alpine opened in Gaylord. They make their chocolates in Gaylord, and they have three other shops in Michigan where they sell their treats. They also have online ordering.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIX9tdL5k5I/VwrvgAn1eTI/AAAAAAAAFD8/PS2RsnJ2oacnV-J3NZJQ8RCSflOkCEcNg/s1600/IMAG5888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIX9tdL5k5I/VwrvgAn1eTI/AAAAAAAAFD8/PS2RsnJ2oacnV-J3NZJQ8RCSflOkCEcNg/s640/IMAG5888.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candied Apples at Alpine Chocolat Haus</td></tr></tbody></table>When we opened the door, we were overcome by the delectable smell of freshly made waffle cones. It smelled as good as I always imagined Willy Wonka's chocolate factory smells. We longingly stared at the chocolates until we selected a random dozen or so chocolates. It ended up being about a dollar per chocolate, but the price was well worth it. Over the next few (OK, couple) days, we relished each treat. My personal favorite was the one that I was most skeptical about, the chocolate-covered orange peel. It was a perfect combination of citrus and chocolate. If I had bought a dozen, I might have eaten them all in one sitting.<br /><br />Now that I know Plymouth is a great Michigan town, I look forward to visiting again. I hope to have a little warmer day to walk around and plan to visit some new restaurants. But I would be happy to visit Stella's Black Dog Tavern again, and I wouldn't leave town without another bag of chocolates.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOSlZzRpjN0/VwrvftczYVI/AAAAAAAAFD4/4gN8e4yBzJsJaWUXhFboC_TOSk-DHfqgw/s1600/IMAG5881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOSlZzRpjN0/VwrvftczYVI/AAAAAAAAFD4/4gN8e4yBzJsJaWUXhFboC_TOSk-DHfqgw/s400/IMAG5881.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much chocolate. So little time.</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Jeff Burtkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364366850363177334noreply@blogger.com2